MOSSEL BAY NEWS - The Sussex Cricket Club of Mossel Bay's men's team faces Heidelberg United in the SWD Cricket Promotion League final match tomorrow, Saturday 24 February.
The final will be played at the Recreation Ground in Oudtshoorn. Play is scheduled to start at 10:00.
Advanced
Sussex advanced to the Promotion League final after a close, two-wicket win over Ramblers of George on Saturday, 17 February.
Ramblers were the firm favourites for this semi-final clash as they had been undefeated this season and finished top of the log in group A, thus securing a home semi-final at the Rosemore sports grounds in George.
Sussex, playing in group B, were on track for a home semi-final, but losing two games derailed this ambition.
The game against Ramblers was reduced to 41 overs due to the wet outfield and play started later.
Sussex elected to bowl first after winning the toss. Ramblers started off well, putting on 39 runs for the first wicket.
Loss of wickets
The constant loss of wickets after the first wicket partnership meant that they could not build any momentum in their innings.
Ramblers were eventually bowled out for 147 in 39.1 overs. The spin trio kept the batters in check, and they accounted for eight of the 10 wickets to fall.
The spinners finished with the following figures: Raven Kemmies, 9 overs 2 wickets for 19 runs; Joshua Rossouw, 7 overs 3 wickets for 34 runs; and captain Rowan Groenewald 8 overs 3 wickets for 33 runs.
Sussex started off well after the loss of a wicket early with a 51-run partnership for the second wicket between Rowan Groenewald and Geon Burns.
Edge of their seats
The Sussex spectators, players and supporters following the game via live WhatsApp updates were on the edge of their seats as the game shifted back and forth.
Ramblers fought back, taking two wickets with the score on 65 and then two wickets again in the 90s. Captain Rowan proved that age is nothing but a number, playing a composed innings of 37 runs as the other batters chipped in with scores to keep the scoreboard ticking.
Winning runs
Sussex scored the winning runs in the 40th over with eight wickets down. Rowan led his team exceptionally, with his all-round performance and was the man of the match.
With this win Sussex kept their promotion dream alive and now face Heidelberg United, who defeated Thembalethu by 56 runs.
Sussex CC is based at the D’Almeida cricket ground. Most of the players come from underprivileged backgrounds and are unemployed youths.
The community club struggles week by week to ensure that transport is secured for away games and meals/drinks can be provided for players in the very hot conditions over summer.
Equipment
The quality of the facilities (cricket nets) and available equipment, such as a pitch cover and scoreboard, remain a challenge. No team can achieve success without the support of sponsors and Sussex CC thanks all the sponsors who supported them.
Sussex appeals to potential sponsors to please assist the club to grow the game and develop its cricketers. Contact the club executive (sussexcricketclubmosselbay@gmail.com) or the chairman, Earle Peterson (083 235 2862) if you can assist in any way.
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