The Central Gauteng Lions clinched a 43-run victory over the EP Warriors in a top-of-the-table clash on Wednesday, fuelled by Ryan Rickelton’s 52 off 38 deliveries.
Rickelton and Reeza Hendricks kickstarted the Lions’ innings with a 58-run partnership, before Hendricks (31 off 23 balls) was dismissed by Siya Simetu.
Despite facing regular setbacks, the Lions managed to muster a competitive total of 152-9.
Nealan van Heerden shone with the ball for the Warriors, returning impressive figures of 4-23.
The Lions’ bowling attack immediately put the hosts on the back foot, with Lutho Sipamla dismissing Warriors skipper Matthew Breetzke for 16.
Wiaan Mulder (4-14) then wreaked havoc, claiming the key wickets of Jiveshan Pillay (seven), Jordan Herman (six), Liam Alder (19) and Simetu (eight).
The Warriors struggled to build any significant partnerships as wickets continued to tumble, eventually succumbing to a total of 109.
Earlier, the Boland Rocks beat the KZN Inland Tuskers by seven wickets in a bottom-of the table clash in Paarl.
The result confirmed the Tuskers’ relegation to Division 2.
KZN Inland were restricted to 119-9 despite notable efforts from Kyle Nipper (36), Michael Erlank (32) and Ntando Zuma (21).
Siyabonga Mahima (3-17) and Imraan Manack (2-20) were Rocks’ standout bowlers.
Keegan Petersen (57 off 43 balls) led the Rocks’ reply, before Shaun von Berg (37*) guided them to victory with 14 balls to spare.
Mbulelo Budaza (2/15) was the Tuskers most successful bowler.
Photo: Richard Huggard/Gallo Images
