Smith, Naidoo lead the way as Cobras Cubs win opener

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February 2021

A dashing century by Jordan Hermann on the opening day of the Cricket South Africa (CSA) Under-19 Franchise Cubs Week helped the Momentum Multiply Titans surge to a 94-run victory over the VKB Knights in Stellenbosch on Wednesday. 

The left-hander blasted four sixes and 12 fours in a fine innings of 139 off 154 balls as the Centurion-based franchise made a bright start to the 14^th edition of the tournament, which is being staged in a bio-secure environment (BSE) at the University of Stellenbosch. 

There were also wins for the Six Gun Grill Cape Cobras and the Imperial Lions in what is the first national tournament being played in adherence with Covid-19 protocols. 

The biggest star of the day, however, was Hermann after his explosive innings helped the Titans amass an impressive 267 for six after winning the toss and batting at Maties C Field. 

The opener held his side together by being in the middle for 48.3 overs, with support coming via Ryan Maxi (46) and Hardus Coetzer (26*). 

Reeza Alexander initially helped the Central Franchise make a good fight with the reply thanks to his 56 off 67 balls (8 fours, 1 six). 

But he lacked any decent support as wickets tumbled around him.  

Coetzer completed a strong all-round game by being the chief destroyer with three for 21 – the Knights bowled out for173. 

At Tassies Oval, meanwhile, the two Liam’s – McCarthy and Alder – shared eight wickets to ensure the Lions made a strong start with a commanding six-wicket win over the Warriors. 

After winning the toss and bowling, the Johannesburg-based outfit sizzled with the ball by dismissing their opponents for just 162 in 41 overs. McCarthy claimed four for 26 and Alder nabbed four for 32. 

Only Warriors captain George van Heerden managed to get the better of the better, but he eventually ran out of partners and was left stranded on a 71* (89 balls, 9 fours). 

Hienrigh Pieterse (58* off 83 balls, 7 fours) and Reuben du Toit (54 off 40 balls, 4 fours, 4 sixes) both then hit half-centuries as the Lions cruised to victory with nearly 20 overs to spare. 

Finally, the Cobras proved too good for the Hollywoodbets Dolphins at the main Coetzenburg Oval, sealing a mighty 83-run win over the KwaZulu-Natal outfit. 

Captain Daniel Smith led the way with the bat for the Cape side as they posted 218 all out after losing the toss and being asked to bat first. 

Kai Curran (38) and Siyambonga Nyawose (33*) were the only other batsmen to cross 30, with Joshua Stride the pick of the bowlers with his three for 27 – ensuring the opposition were all out in 44.5 overs. 

But the Dolphins’ innings unravelled even more quickly as they were blown away for 135. 

Their captain Luc Benkenstein hit an unbeaten 58 off 75 balls (6 fours, 1 six) but lacked support in an innings that lasted 38 overs. Nicholas Hatton also struck 44. In the end Darian Naidoo’s four for 36 proved key in what was an excellent start for the Cobras. 

The tournament, with selected matches live streamed on SuperSport channel 245 via the DSTV Now app, is the foundation of the Talent Acceleration Programme (TAP) and all the players competing have a chance to be selected in the SA Under-19 squad that is due to be announced shortly after its conclusion.   

Day two of the U19 Franchise Cubs Week continues on Thursday. To follow all the action live from Stellenbosch, visit https://www.pitchvision.com/. 

FIXTURES   

Thursday, 04 February 2021  

Imperial Lions vs Hollywoodbets Dolphins at Maties D Field, Stellenbosch   

Momentum Multiply Titans vs Six Gun Grill Cape Cobras at Tassies Oval, Stellenbosch   

Warriors vs VKB Knights at Coetzenburg Oval, Stellenbosch   

Friday, 05 February 2021  

Imperial Lions vs VKB Knights at Coetzenburg Oval, Stellenbosch   

Momentum Multiply Titans vs Hollywoodbets Dolphins at Tassies Oval, Stellenbosch   

Warriors vs Six Gun Grill Cape Cobras at Maties C Field, Stellenbosch  

Saturday, 06 February 2021  

Imperial Lions vs Six Gun Grill Cape Cobras at Tassies Oval, Stellenbosch   

Hollywoodbets Dolphins vs VKB Knights at Maties C Field, Stellenbosch   

Momentum Multiply Titans vs Warriors at Coetzenburg Oval, Stellenbosch   

Sunday, 07 February 2021   

Final: 1^st vs 2^nd at Coetzenburg Oval, Stellenbosch   

3^rd vs 4^th at Tassies Oval, Stellenbosch   

5^th vs 6^th Maties D Field, Stellenbosch   

SIX GUN GRILL CAPE COBRAS CUBS: Daniel Smith (Western Province), Ethan Cunningham (Western Province), Kai Curran (Western Province), Siyambonga Nyawose (Western Province), Dewald Grove (Boland), Kamvelethu Feni (South Western Districts), Michael Levitt (Western Province), Nicholas Kevy (Boland), Kaden Solomon (Western Province), Nathan Jacobs (Boland), Darian Naidoo (Western Province), Ayabonga Ngondo (South Western Districts), Salmaan Ajam (Western Province), Asakhe Tsaka (Western Province).