The weekend of Saturday 31 August and Sunday 1 September at SuperSport Park was filled with excitement with the start of the Tri-Team Tournament.
The preseason competition began with the budding Young Guns team taking on the Momentum Multiply Titans in T20 action on the weekend.
A tie on Saturday followed by a 5 wicket win by the Titans on Sunday demonstrated the competitiveness from the spirited Young Guns outfit.
Saturday, 31 August: After losing the toss and being put in to bat first, The Young Guns put on a very decent total of 160-8 in their allotted 20 overs, in the first match they’ve played together.
It was left-hand battter, GJ Maree who piled on the runs for the Young Guns and with a strike rate of 190 scored 61 off 40 balls, hitting five 4’s and four 6’s along the way. The opener’s display earned him the match of the match award where he had laid a solid foundation before he was bowled out.
His opening partner, Chritiaan du Toit contributed 36 off 27 balls with the pair getting through the powerplay on 78-0. The pair put on a 104-run partnership before the first wicket fell in the 9th over.
Wickets from the Titans bowling unit were shared amongst Leo Sadler (3-23), Corbin Bosch (2-23) and Merrick Brett (2-31).
The Young Guns matched their batting displays with the ball restricting the Titans to an identical score of 160-6 after 20 overs and earning a tie. Hernus Marais led the Young Guns attack with 2-27 in his 4 overs supported by David Teeger (2-32), Dayalan Boyce (1-26) and Ntando Soni (1-48).
It was round 2 on Sunday 1 September, but a similar start with the Momentum Multiply Titans winning the toss and opting to bowl first.
Young guns openers couldn’t repeat their heroics from the previous day but runs came from the middle order. Ludwich Schuld hit six 4’s and a 6 in 23 balls before getting caught off Junior Dala for 38. Keagan Lion-Cachet came in at number 6 getting a-run-a-ball and finished with 34 unbeaten seeing the Young Guns conclude their innings on 112-9.
The return of Sky Blues seamer Lizaad Williams made the difference and he finished with 4-16 in his 4 overs.
While the Young Guns didn’t manage to get the desired result, Adam Cannata put on a fine display of spin bowling with his 4-17.
A handy 54* off 44 balls by Keagan Petersen saw the Titans to victory on a thrilling first weekend of the Tri-Team Tournament.
The Young Guns have set a standard for themselves and can be proud of their performances from the weekend.
The action continues at SuperSport Park with games happening from Thursday, 5 September through to Sunday 8 September. Entrance is free supporters are encouraged to make their way to SuperSport Park to watch the action.
