BEREA Rovers bowlers took control of the Premier League match against Southern Natal at Rovers on Sunday, ensuring the batsmen had a relatively easy target to overhaul.
In the end, Rovers had to make 113 to win and they finished on 115-3 to secure a seven-wicket win and a bonus point.
Asked to bowl after Rovers skipper Byron Whatmore lost a rare toss, the hosts made good use of what looked a decent batting wicket under clear Durban skies.
Opening bowlers Byron Langley and Grayson McMullen, the hero from the previous week against African Warriors with seven wickets, tied the Southern Natal batsmen down, giving away just over 20 runs in the first 10 overs.
Whatmore joined the fray with two decisive spells as he finished with 3-11 in 7.2 overs and left-arm spinner Jordan Gregory, making his debut, bagged two scalps. He was a little short on occasion, but players and coaches were encouraged with what they saw.
Ryan Vaughan chipped in with 3-26 in seven overs as the visitors could only muster 112, dismissed in the 37th over. The only resistance with the bat came from Morné Bishop, who managed 38.
Needing to score quickly to earn the bonus point, Rovers’ batsmen wasted no time, needing only 16 overs to wrap up proceedings. Craig Currin, enjoying a consistent patch with the bat, again led the charge, knocking up 34 before departing LBW. This allowed wicket-keeper batsman Shilo Ramdin to take charge, guiding Rovers home with an undefeated 57. Added to his catches and stumpings, he was a worthy man of the match.
While Rovers were happy to achieve their goal for the month of three wins from three matches with a bonus point on each ocassion, they are still three points adrift of Crusaders at the top of the standings.
Crusaders had a powerful 10-wicket win against Delta and have 51 points after 13 games, with Rovers hot on their heels with 48 after the rsame number of games. This Sunday, Rovers play Delta, at Rovers.
Premier League Results
DHS Rhythm 224 (Hodnett 99; Vezi 4-16)
African Warriors 132 (Ndlovu 35)
DHS Rhythm won by 92 runs.
Southern Natal 112 (Morne Bishop 38; Vaughan 3-26, Whatmore 3-11)
Berea Rovers 115-3 (Currin 34, Sahil Ramdin 57*)
Berea Rovers won by 7 wickets.
Topham 159 (Bhayla 58; Mhlongo 3-13, Padayachee 3-24)
Chatsworth Sporting 95 (Schlemmer 3-8, Rampersad 3-36)
Topham won by 64 runs.
Delta 191-5 (Badat 35, Maharaj 107*)
Crusaders 197-0 (Minnie 111*, Van Heerden 56*)
Crusaders won by 10 wickets.
