A dramatic finale to a very disappointing day across the province sees Phoenix snatch victory in the Vineyard. With all other games in the Russell Court Divisions 1 and 2 abandoned to the weather, the hardy band of players and spectators in Phoenix and The Hills stayed around to play a 24 over match in the late evening gloom. The Hills batted first and made 167/9 in their 24 overs thanks to an early partnership between mark Donegan [50] and Albert van der Merve [35]. Both players were out to Reinhardt Strydum [2/20] who had the best bowling figures on the night. Some late hitting from Tomás Rooney Murphy [26 off 16 balls] saw The Hills reach a more than useful total of 167/9 off their 24 overs.
Apart from his usefullness with the ball, Strydom is also the man for a run chase and he duly obliged with 65 off 50 balls. He was well support by Nicolaas Pretorius [49 from 36] and they laid the foundation for a five wicket win, completed in the 23rd over. The victory by Phoenix propels them into top spot in the league [something I didn't think I would be writing before the start of the season].
Another team that will be very happy with the result is Clontarf. One point behind Phoenix and with a game in hand they now have a chance of establishing clear water between themselves and the chasing pack at the quarter way stage of the season.