Kingswoodian to lead EP Schools
KINGSWOOD captain Brian Haller will lead the EP Schools' U18 cricket team at the Coca-Cola Khaya Majola Week to be held in Pretoria in December.
The talented allrounder has been one of the outstanding performers for the Grahamstown school in recent seasons and his appointment as captain is just reward for the hard work he has put into his game.
Haller captained his Kingswood team to victory in the franchise schools' Twenty20 competition last season, overcoming such strong cricketing schools as St Andrew's, Grey High and Selborne.
At the recent national finals in Pretoria, Haller and his school colleague Marco Lombard were chosen in the team of the tournament.
Convener of selectors Greg van Molendorff said yesterday it had been a tough job finalising the sides.
"We are happy with the teams but I must say there are some really talented players who have been left on the sidelines," said Van Molendorff, who coaches the Kingswood team.
"I know Brian has put a huge amount of effort into his game and it was an emotional moment when he heard he was captain.
"He is a really good allround cricketer and an organised captain as well, and we are backing the team to do well."
The side will be coached by former Eastern Province captain and opening batsman Carl Bradfield, who will be in his second year in charge of the side.
"We had a successful week under Carl last year and we are hoping to do well again," Van Molendorff.
This year's tournament, the highlight for any schoolboy cricketer in South Africa, will be held in Pretoria from December 17-21.
TWO centuries by Pearson batsmen set up classy victories as they dominated all matches against Brandwag on Saturday.
Kyle Jacobs scored a brilliant 127 off only 115 balls for the first team to help his team to a convincing 132-run victory in Uitenhage.
Openers Josh Dodd (32) and Siviwe Ngalo (40) set a good platform as they put on 55 for the first wicket.
After two quick wickets, Jacobs and Ngalo shared an 81-run partnership.
Mark Zonneveld (59 off 47 balls) then joined Jacobs and the pair put on 105 for the fourth wicket as Pearson massed 301/8 in 50 overs.
Brandwag made the worst possible start when Dodd struck with the second ball of their innings and wickets fell regularly thereafter.
The home side were eventually dismissed for 169, Dodd picking up 3/59.
In the U15A match, Pearson captain Keeran Forbes scored 101 in his team's formidable 295 in 40 overs.
He was well supported by Cole Nel (76).
Brandwag were dismissed for 160 as Raeez Harrison took 5/23. - Neale Emslie
