Benoni bowlers to the rescue
(1987)

Benoni first cricket side recorded their third consecutive victory to move into second spot in the Northern Transvaal Super League, when they beat PHOSB by 22 runs on the weekend. But coach Jim Presdee must still be having sleepless nights over the poor batting display by the top order batsmen.

Losing the toss on Saturday afternoon, Benoni were first in on a greenish pitch and proceeded to throw wickets away in the first hour, slumping to four wickets down with a mere 12 runs on the board.

Opener Chris Bredenkamp and skipper Paul Robinson staged something of a recovery. Robinson was unfortunate to be caught off the keeper’s boot for 25. Mark Eustace showed welcomed a return to form with a responsible 30 runs, taking the score with Bredenkamp to 85 for six. Bredenkamp was next to go go for a patient 25. Tailenders Roger Nesbitt and Danny Nesbitt embarrassed the top order even further by adding 23 runs for the 10th wicket. So it was up to the bowlers to once again save the day for Benoni. Steve Barwick claimed a wicket on Saturday, shortly before stumps were drawn with the score on seven for one.

A superb effort on Sunday by Benoni’s bowlers and fielders, resulted in a superb all-round bowling and fielding performance on Saturday. Skipper Robinson bowled genuinely fast balls, while seamers Barwick and Danny Nesbitt ripped through the PHOSB batting line-up. Wickets fell at regular intervals and the whole side were back in the hut for 113.

Benoni is only two points behind log leaders Defence, but face the formidable Ooste-like side at Northern Areas on Saturday and Sunday. The visitors line-up includes players like Vernon du Preez, Peter Visagie, Gerbrand Grobler, Willie Morris, Doug Neilson and Anton Gerber.

Benoni’s bowlers and fielders will have to produce the goods this time round in order to give their bowlers a fair chance.