Three wickets apiece for the Conrad XI’s (read Highveld Lions) David Terbrugge and Garnett Kruger did the most to restrict a Cook XI (read Highveld Strikers) to 230 for seven, and eventually help their team to a five-wicket victory — according to the Duckworth-Lewis method — in their 45-over friendly played at the Wanderers on Tuesday.
The match was arranged to provide the Lions with much-needed practice ahead of their forthcoming Standard Bank Cup semifinal against the Free State Eagles.
The star of the show for the Conrad team was an unbeaten 107 by the 19-year-old Blake Snijman, who struck 11 fours and two huge sixes, launched over cow corner, in his 124-ball innings.
The youngster, belying his tender years, also combined to feature in a rapid 29-ball 59 with Derek Crookes for the sixth wicket, which took them past the adjusted target of 224 they required for victory.
Earlier, the Cook XI’s innings was anchored by a better than a run-a-ball 58 from Werner Coetsee, who on close inspection of the stats has never scored more than 28 in a limited-overs match — not that this will be recorded — and some more than useful partnerships along the line.
The second match in this exciting series will take place at the Wanderers on Thursday February 10, starting at 3pm. — Sapa