The past weekend, 16 March 2019, Kathu Cricket Club hosted the A-Division Final of the JTG 2018/2019 League.
Old rivals Kathu vs Postmasburg went at it again for the prized trophy. As predicted in the build-up, it was set up to be a classic and a classic it was!
It was a Final for the books, just like the previous season, and will live in the memory of those who played in it and the supporters who attended the match. The Final was filled with action, drama, suspense, nerves, jubilation and heartache.
Kathu won the toss and elected to bowl on a morning that seemed to assist the bowlers. Their bowlers were on top at the start removing three of the Postmasburg top order in quick succession. A determined fightback by Leslie Oosthuizen and Herman Swartz got Postmasburg back into the match and ensured that they posted a very competitive 219 all out.
With their tails in the air and the grit between their teeth the Postmasburg bowlers came out with all-guns-blazing, again led by Herman Swartz and veteran Ernst Ferreira. These two bowlers reduced Kathu to 58/4 and swung the match towards Postmasburg. A fighting 70-run partnership between Theo-Leighton De Kock and Sanga Hanisi rebuilt the innings and frustrated the bowling attack. They picked off the runs to creep closer to the target, setting it up for the big hitters to come in and play their game. That is exactly what Gerrit Cloete did, hitting some monster sixes on his way to a half century that swung the entire match towards Kathu.
Some late wickets gave some hope, but Tiaan Whitehorn and Jakkie van Wyk saw Kathu over the line with 15 balls to spare, securing the JTG League title for the 7th year in a row.
The match was concluded in true Club cricket style, with a few cold beers and some laughs between the two teams. Both teams left everything they had on the field and all the players can be commended for the spirit in which it was played.
Special word of thanks to the two match officials, Mr. Jackson Prins and Mr. Lukas Esau. Thank you for driving through from Upington to officiate in the Final. Never an easy job but the match was very professionally handled – as expected from two gentlemen of the game. It was a privilege to have you here!
Postmasburg – 219 all out: Leslie Oosthuizen 55, Herman Swartz 50*, Etienne Botha jun. 3/25 (10), Gerrit Cloete 2/15 (7), Carel Coetzer 2/26 (8.3), Kathu I – 223/8 (47.3), Gerrit Cloete 52, Sanga Hanisi 40, Theo-Leighton de Kock 36, Ernst Ferreira 3/31(10), Herman Swartz 2/21 (9.3)
Kathu I won by 2 wickets.
Man of the Match: Gerrit Cloete for his excellent bowling performance and whirlwind half century that included some very big hitting. Well done G-man!
Kathu Cricket Club would like to thank Postmasburg Cricket Club for yet another great match and congratulate them on a great season. A team full of fighters, as we know too well, we look forward to continue this fantastic rivalry between the two Clubs! Enjoy the off season.
The 2018/2019 Season has been a very successful one for Kathu Cricket Club so far, winning two of the three trophies available in the JTG Region: – JTG League Title (7th consecutive season); – JTG Pro20 Tournament.
The JTG 6-a-Side will be held in April 2019, hopefully the Club can make it 3 out of 3 for the second consecutive season.
Thanks to all the players, sponsors and supporters for your commitment through the entire season, we look forward to the next one!
