Maties sealed their place in the final of the 28th annual Momentum National Club Championship after beating University of Free State by seven wickets in Pretoria on Sunday.
Maties will take on the Crusaders, who made the final despite a shock seven-wicket loss to Border’s United Cricket Club at Sinovich Park. Leus Du Plooy (50) and Michael Erlank (46) led Kovsies to 210-9 at the end of their 50 overs after winning the toss and electing to bat.

Maties bowlers Christaan le Roux (3-28) and Niel Botha (2-45) took five wickets between them to restrict the Free State side to its competitive score. In reply, Maties’ Jean Marais scored a remarkable 104 from 113 deliveries to set up his side’s victory. Keegan Petersen continued his fine form, hitting 67 from 83 balls.

The Crusaders bowlers did not have a good day. After setting United a 241-run target, thanks largely to half-centuries by Ruben Hattingh (56) and Cameron Delport (51), the attack could not contend with the trio of half-centuries provided by United’s Bevan Bennett (67), Kevin Bennett (52) and Marvin Lazarus (50). United reached their target with 13 balls to spare. Reece Basson and Gionne Koopman were unbeaten for 30 and 28 runs respectively.

In the other section one matches, Tuks made a lasting impression in their final appearance against Burma Lads CC, beating them by nine wickets, while Madibaz PE pulled off a narrow four-run win against North West.

In the remaining section two matches, University of Johannesburg snuck a two-wicket win over Erdinge Durbanville CC, while Benoni Northerns beat Union Stars CC by a mighty 118 runs. Monday’s final between Maties and the Crusaders will take place at TUT Oval.

At the tournament’s closing function, JP Kok was named Batsman of the Tournament, while Armand Erasmus received the Bowler of the Tournament award. The Player of the Tournament will be announced after the final.