27 February 2023
The Maritzburg College 1st XI travelled to Durban to tackle Northwood on Saturday, 25 February, under cloudy skies, with the Knights coming off of a lopsided victory over the Glamorgan Academy the previous day.
Batting first in the aforementioned clash, Northwood posted 193 all out, but then skittled their county opposition for just 53 to romp to a 140-run win. College, though, were likely to pose a far stiffer challenge, and so it proved.
The home team won the toss on Saturday and elected to bat first, but they struggled to find any kind of momentum as College’s bowlers, well backed up by a tight, sometimes spectacular, fielding performance, captured wickets at regular intervals to keep the Knights on the back foot throughout.
Had it not been for a stubborn stand for the last wicket, Northwood wouldn’t have managed a triple-figure total. As it was, they just made it, being bowled out for 105, thanks to a fighting last wicket partnership of 22.
College’s versatile bowling attack clamped down on any thoughts the Knights might have had of counter-attacking, and, as has been the case throughout the season, their spinners bowled tidily and with appreciable penetration. The pitch, dry, and beginning to crumble in a few areas, also assisted the spinners, with some balls really biting and jumping off of the surface.
Questionable shot selection
Some Northwood batsmen did not do themselves any favours with their shot selection. Taking on the bowlers over the top when fielders are positioned at both long on and long off is a risky manner of run scoring.
James Wiggil led the College attack, picking up 3 for 15, while he was well supported by fellow spinners Chad Mason and Oliver da Costa as the spinners shared six wickets between them. Up front, captain Bryn Brokensha and Asanda Khumalo set a solid example, with Sphamandla Dzanibe picking up two sticks, too.
With Northwood having managed a sub-standard total, two things that College needed to be in with a strong chance of victory were a solid start to their innings, and for one of the batsmen to score at least 40, which they would then be able to build their innings around. They got both.
Playing within themselves and taking few chances, the College openers set their side on the road to victory. Creedon Smith provided the cornerstone innings that his side sought and went on to tally 51, the highest score of the match. Almost inevitably it seemed, Maritzburg College eased to a comfortable victory against a Northwood team that has exhibited plenty of talent this season but been somewhat inconsistent.
Consistent and controlled
In the end, it was College’s consistent and controlled approach with both the bat and ball that won them this match. Their batsmen took fewer chances than the home team, their bowlers gave little away, and they also allowed the pitch to assist them. Then, in the third aspect of cricket, fielding, they produced a strong showing to drive their advantage home.
A solid victory for captain Bryn Brokensha and his team, which is, perhaps, better than their record would suggest. In defeats to Westville Boys’ High and Hilton College, the result could very easily have gone for College, too. And now, they appear to be playing their best cricket.
For Northwood, it was one of those days where they weren’t quite at their best, but the talent cannot be doubted, and the Knights remain a potential banana skin for any team that they face.
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