It was back to Western Province Cricket Club for the second game day of the NCU Development tour. The matches being played on two of the complexes three grounds. Overlooking Newlands and Table Mountain the setting was stunning.  The group have now been joined by six sets of parents who all enjoyed an excellent days cricket.

WPCC won the toss agaimst the NCU Northern Knights Under 15s and chosing to bat first amassed 172 in their 40 overs. The bowlers all bowled tidily with Charlie Shannon being the pick, bowling his 8 overs for only 11 runs.

Photo right shows The NCU Northern Knights U15 Squad before play versus Western Province Cricket Club (© Ian Johnston).

The NCU reply started badly with Harry Warke being run out, but a century partnership in only 13 overs between Johnny Waite and Max Burton put the NCU in a commanding position. Both were retired (Waite 69 and Burton 53) allowing Ben Rose and James McClean to finish the job without losing another wicket.

A good result particularly after what was a very hard game the previous day.

NCU Northern Knights Under 15 v Western Province Cricket Club at WPCC Avenue de Mist
Western Province 172-8 (40 overs) J Finoughty 37, U Stennant 31, J Browne 2-39, J Glass 2-38, C Shannon 2-17
NCU Northern Knights U15 175-1 (23 overs) J Waite 69 retired, M Burton 53 retired
NCU Northern Knights beat Western Province CC by 9 wickets

The under 18's showed great determination and application in posting 256 in the second match of their tour against Western Province Cricket Club. Muckamore's Sam Gordon led the way with a fine 64, and had excellent support from Aaron Wright 43, James Mitchell 25, Paddy Beverland 22, and Morgan Topping 22.

It became obvious at an early stage of the Western Province innings that they had some quality players in their batting line up. Despite some decent bowling WPCC overhauled the Knights' score in 46 overs for the loss of 4 wickets, with one of their openers carrying his bat for a magnificent unbeaten 130.

Despite the result this was a whole hearted performance from everyone particularly after the heavy defeat in the first game.

NCU Northern Knights Under 18 v Western Province Cricket Club at WPCC Avenue de Mist
NCU Northern Knights U18 256-6 (50 overs) S Gordon 64, A Wright 43, A Rylands 3-47
Western Province 258-4 (46 overs) J Allie 130no, R Sinton 2-21
Western Province CC beat NCU Northern Knights by 6 wickets