Heinrich Klaasen smashed 139 runs off 120 balls in Tuks’ 135-run victory over Fort Hare University in the National Club Championships in Pretoria on Monday.

Led by Klaasen, who hit 11 fours during his knock, the three-time champions posted 295-6 in their innings. He was helped along by Thomas Kaber’s 76-ball 74, who also continued his good form.

The Forte Hare attack toiled for much of the Tuks innings, despite Simthembile Langa returning the best figures of 3-55. Bamanye Xenxe, Jerry Nqolo and Loyiso Mdashe took a wicket apiece, as Klaasen and Kaber took full advantage of first use of the wicket.

Fort Hare’s batting line-up were given no time to get their eyes in, with SA U19s all-rounder, Mitchell van Buuren (4-37) and Kaber (3-21) combining for seven wickets, and dismissing the Alice side for only 160. Mdashe and Nqolo dug deep for their scores of 49 and 38 runs respectively, Fort Hare’s highest scores of the day, as their side suffered a disappointing defeat.

Elsewhere, chasing 222 for victory at Sinovich Park, Kyle Simmonds struck 57 not out and helped Steinhoff Maties to a three-wicket win over University of Free State (Kovsie), in response to the latter’s 221-5 total.

Kovsie’s Janko Dreyer and SA U19 batsman Raynard van Tonder scored  72 and 53 runs respectively after Francois Marais (34) and Leus du Plooy (21) laid the foundation for a competitive total.

The Kovsie’s bowlers struggled to pose any real threat during the Maties run-chase. Sean Whitehead was the best bowler for the Free State side with 2-42.

Isma-eel Gafieldien and Gerhard Erasmus both hit 45 runs and Ricardo Vasconcelos added 34 to the tally, allowing Simmonds to score freely for his 56-ball 57, giving Maties the victory with just three balls to spare.

In the last match of the day, North West University (Pukke) continued their perfect start to the competition, this time, sneaking a two-wicket victory over the Crusaders at TUT Oval.

National Club Championships scorecards

Photo: Lee Warren/Gallo Images