In an extraordinary display of schoolboy cricket across the age groups, the Graeme College u/13A team delivered a masterclass performance to secure a commanding 305-run victory over Muir College u/13A. After winning the toss, Graeme College made the decisive choice to bat first and immediately seized control of the match. The foundation of their massive total was anchored by a magnificent century from Linathi Ntabeni, who blazed 111 runs off just 71 balls, featuring 17 fours and 3 sixes at an explosive strike rate of 156.3. Ntabeni anchored early stands of 52 with Ongi Nongauza and 63 with Liam Brooks, before joining forces with Christian Titus for a 40-run partnership. Titus kept the momentum surging with a sharp half-century of his own, scoring 50 off 40 balls. The highlight of the innings came through a destructive 90-run partnership between Titus and Daniel Coetsee, who produced a brilliant display of power hitting to smash 77 runs from only 45 balls, including 8 boundary fours and 4 sixes. Late-order acceleration from Asemahle Mkhomto (29 not out off 15) and Lubambo Mabini (21 not out off 20) added an unbeaten 46-run partnership, pushing Graeme College to a staggering total of 364/7 in their allotted 40 overs. Faced with a daunting target of 365, Muir College’s chase was met with ruthless precision from the Graeme College bowling unit and fielders. The attack never allowed the opposition to settle, skittling Muir College all out for just 59 runs in 16.2 overs. Asemahle Mkhomto delivered a standout all-round performance by leading the bowling attack with 3 wickets for 16 runs in his 4 overs, while Josh Potts maintained incredible tightness at the other end to claim 2 wickets for just 10 runs. Christian Kemp (1/15) and Lubambo Mabini (1/0) chipped in to rapidly clean up the batting line-up, well supported by Jadon Byren’s economical spell of 0/17. Graeme’s sharp intensity in the field was equally decisive, capped off by two brilliant run-outs from Daniel Coetsee and another direct hit from Christian Titus to wrap up a clinical, thoroughly professional team effort from start to finish.
