After some nervy wins to start the season with, the Rollers had a less squeaky bum outing this past Sunday, beating Somerset Oaks by 40 runs at the Radloff Park.
With captain Hannes Carlson late for his hometown game, Ryan Cooper won an important toss on a blisteringly hot day, electing to bat first on a wicket that provided plenty for the spinners.
So the hosts’ decision to start with all-out pace was a welcome relief for openers Ryan and Cornell Keulder, who got off to a blistering start as they raced to 76/0 after 13 overs.
Ryan fell one run short of his half-century, sparking a mini-collapse of three wickets in four overs as Neville Cooper (1) and Cornell (30) also perished.
But any fears of the now customary ‘Koeberg Roll’ was averted in spectacular style by Andrew Young, who finally showed a return to form with the bat as he bludgeoned his way to 67 off not too many.
Casper (17*) provided some classy support down the order as the Rollers posted an impressive 194/7 off the allotted 35 overs.
Oaks have run us close in recent years, but the result was all but secured in the opening 16 overs when the Rollers reduced the opposition to 44/4 thanks to some tight bowling from Michael van Dewenter (2/11 in five), Cornell (1/14 in five) and Jacques Laubscher (1/19 in five).
Some complacency – and solid batting, in must be said – meant the game carried on a lot longer than needed as Louis and Shaun put on 90 for the fifth wicket, but Casper wrapped the game up with a four-over burst that yielded a very impressive 5/13.
Much fun and laughter followed in the fine session, where the down-down scores were tied at 5-5. Thanks again to Bobby, Leslie and the Oaks for a very enjoyable day out.
Next up, the 6th annual Rollers Bowls Day!
BATTING Cornell Keulder 30 (3×4) Ryan Cooper 49 (7×4) Neville Cooper 1 Andrew Young 67 (3×6, 6×4) Michael van Dewenter 7 Nico Rheeder 6 Hannes Carlson 17* (2×4) Claude Louw 7 (1×4) Cameron Hoggarth 0*
Extras: 9 TOTAL: 194/7 (35 overs)
BOWLING Cornell Keulder 7-0-28-1 Michael van Dewenter 5-0-11-2 Jacques Laubscher 5-0-19-1 Claude Louw 7-0-31-0 Nico Rheeder 4-0-32-0 Cameron Hoggarth 2-0-15-0 Hannes Carlson 4-0-13-5 Neville Cooper 1-0-7-0