Jonker in good form as Warriors win by 46 runs

ALL-ROUNDER Christiaan Jonker produced a solid performance for the Warriors at St George's Park yesterday as the home side beat the Knights by 46 runs in a 50-over match, as part of the Friendship Cup Challenge.

Although it was a warm-up match for bigger things that lie ahead in the coming season, the Warriors looked quite sharp with some nice batting and a disciplined performance in the field.

The Warriors made 273/4 and the Knights replied with 227. The visitors were bowled with 19 balls to spare.

Openers Jon-Jon Smuts (50) and Vuyisa Makhaphela (47) gave the Warriors a solid start.

That laid the platform for Jonker (70) and Ryan Bailey (70*), who both batted very well to make sure the Knights would have to work hard for a win.

Opener Rudi Second (72) and Pite van Biljon (54), coming in at No4, gave the Knights a winning chance with some fine batting. When they got out there was not much support and it was smooth sailing for the Warriors.

Jonker took 2/22 with his seamers to add to his 70 runs and showed he could be valuable in the role of all-rounder for the Warriors this coming season.

Off-spinner Simon Harmer (3/49) and seamer Rusty Theron (2/27) have already had a fair amount of cricket in the early season and it showed in their fine performances.