Cape Schools Cricket Report While this year’s Cape Schools week was unfortunately heavily disrupted by persistent rain limiting the action to just a day and a half of cricket the effort behind the scenes was second to none. A massive word of thanks must go to our incredible ground staff, whose tireless work and dedication made play possible whenever the weather gave us even the smallest window. Day 1: Graeme College vs Bishops The opening day provided the only full fixture of the week on an excellent batting track on Marais. Facing a formidable Bishops outfit, the Graeme 1st XI were caught a bit off-guard early on. The Cape Town side capitalised with superb batsmanship, posting a very competitive 301/10 in 46 overs. Despite the early pressure, the spin duo of Corbin Tidbury and Luphelo Mdyesha bowled exceptionally well in the middle overs to pull the game back, picking up three wickets apiece. Chasing a target that required a runrate of 6.0 runs per over required a complete, disciplined batting performance. Unfortunately, the scoreboard pressure took its toll, and the Graeme innings succumbed to 159/10 in 32 overs. The standout highlight of the run-chase was opener Enrique Strydom, who played a remarkably mature, unbeaten knock of 80 off 89 balls*, carrying his bat and demonstrating great composure under tough circumstances. Bishops 1st XI 301/10 in 46 overs Corbin Tidbury 3/45 Luphelo Mdyesha 3/55

Graeme College 1st XI159/10 in 32 overs Enrique Strydom 80* Result: Bishops won by 142 runs.

Day 2: Graeme College vs SACS Facing SACS on Day 2 demanded true Graemian spirit, mental toughness, and a strong mindset to bounce back from the opening day’s setback. The 1st XI responded magnificently, producing an exceptional display with the ball. SACS were relentlessly put under pressure and bundled out for just 74/10 in 23 overs. It was a seamless team bowling effort, with Andrew Muir, Caleb Jattiem, Kits McConnachie, and Luphelo Mdyesha taking two wickets each to completely dismantle the opposition’s lineup. Graeme went into the break firmly in control, racing to 11/0 in 1 over just before lunch in pursuit of the 75-run target. With SACS well and truly against the ropes, the heavens opened during the lunch break. The relentless downpour prevented any further play, forcing a frustrating No Result.

SACS 1st XI 74/10 in 23 overs Andrew Muir 2/23 Caleb Jattiem 2/24 Kits McConnachie 2/15 Luphelo Mdyesha 2/10 Graeme: 11/0 in 1 over Result: No Result (match abandoned) Despite the weather prematurely cutting the week short, the boys showed tremendous character and resilience to turn their performance around on Day 2, proving the depth of grit within the squad.