1st XI vs Graeme College
On the Wednesday 30 January Union travelled to Grahamstown to play against Graeme College in a declaration match played over two days. Graeme won the toss and elected to bat first. After 56 overs Graeme declared on 214 for 7 with still 30 min of play left in the day.
Bowling figures: Brett Amsterdam 3 for 63 in 15 overs; Lihle, Jayden, Matthew and James Pienaar each took one wicket
This declaration meant that Union had to come in and survive at least 6 overs before the end of play and was wonderful for the boys to experience this type of mini test cricket and get put under a different type of pressure. The Union batsmen were up to the task and looked forward to the challenge. Unfortunately we lost a wicket in the second over, however for the remainder of the overs James Pringle and Jayden Brotherton saw the onslaught off with ease leaving a sense of confidence going into day two.
Day two dawned with a very gloomy looking day with rain in the air. Despite the weather looking threatening we were able to start on time. James Pringle and Jayden Brotherton carried on where they left off and batted with fantastic patience and application during a very trying time with conditions well suited for bowling. After a well-played 24 run partnership Brett Amsterdam joined James Pringle and on a day with many disruptions being on and off the field due to rain. These two did not let that get the better of them and batted with excellent maturity and kept the scoreboard ticking at a respectable rate.
In the end the weather got the final say and Union finished the day on 60 for 2.
With a match well poised it would have been wonderful to have seen what the outcome would have been had we got the full time of cricket in. This really was an amazing experience for the boys who were exposed to a very different brand of cricket and have taken many positive lessons from the experience.
Batting performance: James Pringle 29 N/O; Brett Amsterdam 19 N/O; Jayden Brotherton 8
The match ended in a draw.
U/15A vs Graeme College
Union High won the toss and elected to bowl first. Union bowled Graeme out for 89 in their first innings.
Best Bowlers: Matthew Basson 4 for 11 in 6 overs; Laythan Carelse 3 for 38 in 9.1 overs; Daniel Nell 2 for 11 in 6 overs; Hlaki Skepe 1 for 11 in 7 overs.
Union High replied with 95 all out in their First Innings.
Best Batsman: Sispho Arnols 62; Brent Hesselink 12
Union lead by 6 runs. Graeme College then went in to bat for their second innings.Graeme were 47 for 4 when rain stopped play.
Best Bowlers: Hlaki Skepe 2 for 12 in 6 overs; Matthew Basson and Daniel Nell each picked up a wicket.
Union High achieved a winning draw based on their 1st Innings win.