Klofies create history with fourth Titans title

No school has performed better in the history of the Titans Platinum League than Hoërskool Waterkloof.

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Following their eight-wicket victory over Cornwall Hill College, Waterkloof's First XI became the first team to win the prestigious Titans Platinum League for four consecutive years, two years of which captain and wicketkeeper, Beukes van den Berg, had the opportunity to don the captain's armband.

Van den Berg was also instrumental in the victory over Cornwall, contributing an unbeaten knock of 39 runs, which, like most of his other innings, came at a healthy strike rate.

BEHRENS BRILLIANCE

The day, however, belonged to opening batsman, Divan Behrens, who led the chase in fine form to notch a well-deserved half-century. Facing the Cornwall attack without his long-time batting partner, Wian Ruthven, who had injured his hand in the Klofies' victory over Garsfontein earlier in the season, Behrens showcased his experience by smashing seven fours and two sixes in his contribution of 56 runs, not out.

Marcus Bakker was in one of his destructive moods racing to a 15-ball 46, an innings which included six fours and three sixes at a strike rate of 306.7. This would have pleased head coach, Cobus Pienaar, with the annual Noord-Suid T20 cricket tournament around the corner.

It was the Klofie bowlers, however, who set the scene for the batting trio. Marno Pienaar was exceptional as the spearhead of the Klofie attack with a return of 3/30, which included the wicket of SA Emerging U19 representative and Cornwall's captain, Lethabo Phahlamohlaka.

Jaco van der Walt (3/35) and Ruan Ferreira (3/38) rubbed further salt in the wounds, contributing six wickets between the two of them.

Cody Sander was the star of the show with the willow for the home side. Not only was he the only Cornwall batsman to make more than 20 runs, but he did so in style. Sander commanded the crease for a gutsy and very well-deserved half-century before he was eventually sent back to the pavilion with 61 runs behind his name.

With the ball, it was Trent Hardie who put up a valiant fight. Although he was expensive, the Cornwall opening bowler showed grit and determination, and was rewarded with two wickets, making him the only successful bowler for his side.

Summarised Scorecard:

Cornwall Hill College 146 (Cody Sander 61; Marno Piennaar 3/30, Jaco van der Walt 3/35, Ruan Ferreira 3/38)

Waterkloof 150/2 (Divan Behrens 56*, Marcus Bakker 46, Beukes van den Berg 39*; Trent Hardie 2/73)

Waterkloof won by eight wickets.