Defending Cubs Week champions, the Coastal Conquerors, were on the receiving end of Lhuandré Pretorius’ bat on the opening day of this year’s edition in Stellenbosch.

Pretorius, the opening batsman of the Central Gladiators, scored 126* off 156 balls (14 fours) as his side won by five wickets.

He received excellent support from Reuben du Toit (52) and Richard Seletswane (34).

The Conquerors struggled to get their innings going until Jake Carstens (59*) and Ross Boast (52) joined forces for a partnership of 99 for the eighth wicket.

Central Gladiators (258-5) beat Costal Conquerors (255-9) by five wickets
Central Gladiators: Lhuandré Pretorius 126*, Reuben du Toit 52, Richard Seletswane 34; Thabiso Ndlela 4-64
Coastal Conquerors: Jake Carstens 59*, Ross Boast 52, Aryan Gopalan 37, Ntando Zuma 29, Jason Muirhead 24; David Teeger 3-33, Kyle Glennistor 2-47, Christopher King 2-58

The Southern Superstars’ chances of bagging this year’s title took a knock after a 70-run defeat against the Northern Champions.

The Champions boast one of the most dangerous bowling attacks at the Cubs Week in Hernus Marais, Tristan Luus and Leo Sadler.

Sadler finished the day with the best bowling figures, 4-27, while Marais took 3-31.

Sadler also added a valuable 32 with the bat, while Shelton Ngobeni (81) and Dewan Marais (56) helped the Champions to reach 273.

Northern Champions (273) beat Southern Superstars (203) by 70 runs
Northern Champions: Shelton Ngobeni 81, Dewan Marais 56, Leo Sadler 32, Christiaan du Toit 26; Raees Salie 3-40, Riley Norton 2-39, Liyema Waqu 2-48
Southern Superstars: Abdullah Bayoumy 44, Raees Salie 40, Gysbert Wege 31; Leo Sadler 4-27, Hernus Marais 3-31

The Western Legends began their week in Stellenbosch with a 13-run victory against the Eastern Warriors.

The Warriors’ Daniel Ristow (88*) ran out of batting partners.

The Legends’ left-handed opening batsman, Ludwich Schuld, started his week with a half-century (57) as he did during last year’s Khaya Majola Week.

Western Legends (273-8) beat Eastern Warriors (26) won by 13 runs
Western Legends: Ludwich Schuld 57, Naziel Adams 43, GJ Maree 34, Sello Sissing 33, Corné Prinsloo 33; Tyler Stagg 3-59, Jean Upman 2-29, Daniel Ristow 2-47
Eastern Warriors: Daniel Ristow 88*, Russel Petersen 45, Ben van der Merwe 24, Jean Upman 22; Dakalo Leketa 3-56, Sicelo Matayi 2-37

Day 2 fixtures (Thursday):

• Coastal Conquerors vs Western Legends (Coetzenberg)
• Southern Superstars vs Eastern Warriors (Maties C)
• Northern Champions vs Central Gladiators (Tassies Oval)