After such a strong start to the season, the wheels have come off proper for the Rollers in recent weeks, and it proved no different at Claremont Gents on Sunday.
After big losses to Strikers and Wellington, a game against the strong Gents side is hardly what’s needed, and once again some sloppy catching and wayward bowling led to defeat.
The day started well enough though. Cornell Keulder bowled a mean opening spell, getting Duncan Milne and Bruce Sharp with two perfect yorkers, and when Andrew Young had Colin McGaw caught behind, Gents were reeling at 30-odd for three.
But Henning and Bertie knuckled down – both benefitting from dropped catches – and restored parity as they set about the bowling with some vigour.
Bertie was unlucky to be run out for 39, but Henning found another willing partner in Steve Atkinson (45), and they looked well set to guide Gents to 250 until Henning was trapped LBW for 83.
Still, 224 was an imposing target, especially with the Rollers’ recent struggles with the bat.
Again, though, the start was promising enough as Ryan Cooper and debutant James Lamprecht put on 34 for the first wicket. But Ryan’s dismissal for 21 brought about the now customary ‘roll’ as the Rollers went from 34/0 to 38/4 in no time.
Cornell (40) and Michael van Dewenter (27) ensured we saved some face with a 60-run partnership, but their departures in quick succession meant any hopes of reaching the target was but a dream.
Not that anyone told Claude Louw. Injured doing nothing early on, he limped to the middle and swept his way to an entertaining 50, with eight fours and a six.
But it was too little, too late as we fell short by 44 runs – Gents getting the better of us for a fourth season in a row.
Still, a very enjoyable afternoon with Richard, Gary and the boys. Many thanks again for your hospitality … we’ll break that streak next season!
BATTING James Lamprecht 11 (2×4) Ryan Cooper 21 (5×4) Andrew Young 0 Hannes Carlson 0 Cornell Keulder 40 (1×6, 3×4) Michael van Dewenter 27 (3×4) Ruan de Jongh 0 Claude Louw 50 (1×6, 8×4) Carlo Jonkerman 14 (1×6, 2×4) Jacques Laubscher 6 Fabio de Dominicus 2*
Extras: 11 TOTAL: 179 (34 overs)
BOWLING Cornell Keulder 7-0-29-2 Andrew Young 7.4-1-62-1 Jacques Laubscher 3-0-25-0 Ryan Cooper 4.2-0-20-0 Hannes Carlson 3-0-20-0 Michael van Dewenter 6-0-40-0 Fabio de Dominicus 3-0-25-2