Arguably Groot Drak’s favourite away fixture is the trip over the mountain to visit Elgin Country Club. On Saturday the 11th of February, we were greeted by Kevin Daniel and his crew on a scorching Overberg morning.
The wicket looked pretty good and after winning the toss, the Drakies skipper elected to bat first.
Quintin van der Westuizen (10 from 17) fell early to a one-handed screamer at backward point by George Eadie, while Rikus took his time at the other end.
In at number three, Colin Myburgh smashed his way to a very handy 38 from 21, just before the first drinks break.
Rikus and Ian Nel put on a mammoth third wicket partnership, both going to their fifties in style. Rikus opened up his shoulders and blasted multiple boundaries, bringing up his second fifty in just 18 balls, marching to a well-deserved 118 from 66 deliveries. Ian was eventually dismissed for a run-a-ball 61 – his first half-century for Groot Drak.
Trying to paddle the ball behind square, Bruce Taylor managed to top-edge his first delivery straight into his head at pace. Unperturbed, Bruce got on with things and was not out for 30 from 25. The team strengthened their position with some good death batting from Craig McNaught, who ended on 44 not out from 19 deliveries.
At the break, Groot Drak had posted possibly their highest ever total of 362/4 from 35 overs.
During the chase, Elgin lost wickets early and with regularity. Opening the bowling, Johann Agenbag was the destroyer-in-chief, taking 4 scalps for 34 in his 7 overs.
Some impressive resistance from Andre (50 from 42), Rikus Kruger (31 from 19) and George (41 from 36) had Elgin hopeful, but still a fair way off the pace.
Making a welcome return after a lengthy injury, Sean Petzer got stuck in with the ball and also picked up four wickets for his troubles, landing up with 51/4 from 6.2 overs. Bruce Taylor and Wessel van Deventer each took stunning catches, putting heaps of pressure on the home team.
Towards the end of the game, the van Deventers turned their arms over. Thanks to a sharp stumping from Quintin van der Westhuizen, Christo (1/15 from 2) earned his first wicket for Groot Drak. Up the hill, Wessel (1/18 from 4) was unlucky to only knock over one batter as Elgin were bowled out for 202 runs.
After the game, a few cold beverages were enjoyed while overlooking the beautiful Elgin scenery. Thanks to Kevin and the lads for their awesome hospitality and for putting on a game that will not be forgotten any time soon.
Man of the Match: Rikus Walters
Match Report by Craig McNaught
