Salem got the better of Willows, clinching a comprehensive nine-wicket win in their Grahamstown Cricket Board first league encounter at the Rhodes Great Field in Makhanda on Saturday.
Willows, who have had the upper hand against their arch-rivals in recent years, were caught flat-footed by their spirited opponents.
While some of their batters struggled to come to terms with the difficult pitch, Chesley Daniels and Melville Daniels adapted and helped their team post a decent 187 for seven.
Daniels top-scored with 50 not out (36 balls) while Mellville made a patient 39. Eldrich George (24) and Romario Fritz (17) also chipped in.
Kevin Zimmerman was the pick of the bowlers for Salem with an economical spell of 2/21 in 10 overs.
He was supported by Matt Liesenberg 2/29 (10) and Ed Butler 2/58 (9).
Salem openers James Mullins and Chris van der Meulen came out with intent, playing aggressively and putting the Willows bowlers under pressure.
Mullins went on to top-score with an unbeaten 91 and Van der Meulen ended with a flamboyant 84.
Salem reached their target in only 41 overs, securing a nine-wicket win.
Defending champions Sidbury thrashed Makana by 140-runs at Sidbury on Saturday.
Carl van Niekerk starred with the bat, scoring a fine century (113).
Angus Van Niekerk notched up 68 and Jason Howard smashed an unbeaten 65 at the end, helping to ensure Sidbury reached a massive 305/5.
In reply, Makana were dismissed for 163 (41.1) with Peter Gradwell returning impressive figures of 4/16 (7).
Mbulelo Dingaan top-scored for Makana with 34.
Manley Flats are back on the winning path after their dominant 112-run win over Port Alfred.
Zakes Simanga scored his first century in the first league with a splendid 113 runs.
He got good support from Qondani Carlos Katywa, who contributed a hurricane 58 runs.
Manley reached a formidable 304/9 (50) as they bowled out the visitors for 192 (45). Rob Nel took 3/68 (10) for Port Alfred.
Rhodes pulled off an impressive away win against home side Southwell on Sunday, batting first and posting 269/8 (50). Southwell were bowled out for 229 (43.2).
Cuylerville recorded a convincing seven-wicket bonus point win over log-leaders Rhodes at Shaw Park on Saturday.
Rhodes batted first and posted 174 (43) while Cuylerville made 176/3 (26.4).
The EP Cricket Mayoral T20 Cup semifinal fixtures for Sunday are:
Semifinals:
Pool A: 9am: Jendamark United v BLG Gelvandal (NMU Oval); Pool B: 9am: Mechatronic Uitenhage v Tavcor Commercial Old Grey (NMU B)
Final:
1.30pm: Winner Pool A v Pool B (NMU Oval)
Salem put wind up Willows
Image: Pexels
Salem got the better of Willows, clinching a comprehensive nine-wicket win in their Grahamstown Cricket Board first league encounter at the Rhodes Great Field in Makhanda on Saturday.
Willows, who have had the upper hand against their arch-rivals in recent years, were caught flat-footed by their spirited opponents.
While some of their batters struggled to come to terms with the difficult pitch, Chesley Daniels and Melville Daniels adapted and helped their team post a decent 187 for seven.
Daniels top-scored with 50 not out (36 balls) while Mellville made a patient 39. Eldrich George (24) and Romario Fritz (17) also chipped in.
Kevin Zimmerman was the pick of the bowlers for Salem with an economical spell of 2/21 in 10 overs.
He was supported by Matt Liesenberg 2/29 (10) and Ed Butler 2/58 (9).
Salem openers James Mullins and Chris van der Meulen came out with intent, playing aggressively and putting the Willows bowlers under pressure.
Mullins went on to top-score with an unbeaten 91 and Van der Meulen ended with a flamboyant 84.
Salem reached their target in only 41 overs, securing a nine-wicket win.
Defending champions Sidbury thrashed Makana by 140-runs at Sidbury on Saturday.
Carl van Niekerk starred with the bat, scoring a fine century (113).
Angus Van Niekerk notched up 68 and Jason Howard smashed an unbeaten 65 at the end, helping to ensure Sidbury reached a massive 305/5.
In reply, Makana were dismissed for 163 (41.1) with Peter Gradwell returning impressive figures of 4/16 (7).
Mbulelo Dingaan top-scored for Makana with 34.
Manley Flats are back on the winning path after their dominant 112-run win over Port Alfred.
Zakes Simanga scored his first century in the first league with a splendid 113 runs.
He got good support from Qondani Carlos Katywa, who contributed a hurricane 58 runs.
Manley reached a formidable 304/9 (50) as they bowled out the visitors for 192 (45). Rob Nel took 3/68 (10) for Port Alfred.
Rhodes pulled off an impressive away win against home side Southwell on Sunday, batting first and posting 269/8 (50). Southwell were bowled out for 229 (43.2).
Cuylerville recorded a convincing seven-wicket bonus point win over log-leaders Rhodes at Shaw Park on Saturday.
Rhodes batted first and posted 174 (43) while Cuylerville made 176/3 (26.4).
The EP Cricket Mayoral T20 Cup semifinal fixtures for Sunday are:
Semifinals:
Pool A: 9am: Jendamark United v BLG Gelvandal (NMU Oval); Pool B: 9am: Mechatronic Uitenhage v Tavcor Commercial Old Grey (NMU B)
Final:
1.30pm: Winner Pool A v Pool B (NMU Oval)
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