Convincing 102-run victory for Pearson over Alex

PEARSON captain Joshua Dodd led from the front with a magnificent 134 to set up his team for a comprehensive 102-run victory over traditional rivals Alexander Road in their schools cricket fixture on Saturday. The opening batsman offered a difficult chance early in his innings, but then never looked back as he compiled his 134 in 142 balls to give the home team the edge. He helped Pearson to achieve a healthy run-rate in compiling 299/7 in 50 overs. Dodd was well supported by Mark Zonneveld (36 off 45 balls) and Kyle Jacobs (61 off 56 balls). Cody Roberts finished well for Pearson as he hit a quick-fire 30 off 20 balls. For Alex, Adrian Baartjies picked up 3/65 in nine overs and Sheldon Pillay bowled well for a return of 2/42 in nine overs. After lunch, Pearson opening bowler Wade van Zyl delivered a good spell as the Alex batters found it difficult to score freely, picking up 2/31 in 10 overs. After the drinks break, when they were 53/2 from 25 overs, Alex picked up the rate, but were eventually dismissed for 197. Baartjies top-scored for Alex with 49 and he was well supported by Pillay with 48. Jacobs was Pearson's top bowler, claiming 3/28 in 10 overs and Roberts returned figures of 2/25 in six overs as Pearson wrapped up a convincing victory.