By Johnathan Paoli
The second volume of the Switch Schools SA20 delivered two absorbing provincial finals over the weekend, showcasing the depth of South Africa’s schoolboy cricket talent.
In Cape Town, Bishops Diocesan College completed a historic clean sweep of regional titles with a nerve-jangling eight-run victory over Wynberg Boys’ High School.
Up in Gauteng, Hoërskool Hans Moore produced one of the most dominant batting displays of the competition to claim the Easterns title with a ruthless 10-wicket win over Hoërskool Marais Viljoen.
A packed Frank Reid Field witnessed a gripping finale on Saturday as Bishops lifted the Western Province Boys’ title.
Put in to bat first, the hosts compiled a competitive 138 runs for 8 wickets thanks to a composed captain’s knock from Alex Vincent.
Opening the innings, Vincent struck 38 off 40 balls, anchoring the innings while partners fell around him.
Cameron Macbeth added a brisk 28, while Litha Mbiko’s lively 28 off 18 balls gave the total a late push.
Wynberg’s bowlers, however, ensured Bishops never fully broke free.
Nicholas Stafford was outstanding in the swirling wind, taking 4/11 from three overs in one of the standout spells of the tournament.
Wynberg’s reply began steadily, with openers Fawaaz Hendricks (18) and Qaeed Shaik (26) laying a solid platform. But the chase began to wobble after both were run out in quick succession.
That sudden shift in momentum left Wynberg’s middle order vulnerable, and Bishops pounced through disciplined bowling and sharp fielding.
Wynberg skipper Michail Tarentaal fought valiantly, crafting a fluent 48 from 37 deliveries to give his team hope.
But with wickets tumbling at the other end and the run-rate climbing, the pressure proved too much.
Vincent returned at the death to claim 2/20, closing out a memorable all-round performance and sealing an eight-run win.
While Bishops celebrated another slice of history, both teams earned qualification for the regional Phase 2 competition in Stellenbosch in January.
It was a day that underlined Bishops’ resilience under pressure and reaffirmed Wynberg’s grit after their semi-final win over Rondebosch.
Vincent’s performance across the day, including 3/24 and a rapid 25 in the semi-final against SACS, earned him Player of the Day honours.
His leadership, strategic bowling changes and willingness to take responsibility in key overs drew praise from supporters and coaches alike.
If the Western Province final was a tightrope, the Easterns final at St Benedict’s College was a steamroller.
Hoërskool Hans Moore powered to a thumping 10-wicket victory over Hoërskool Marais Viljoen.
Bowling first, Hans Moore’s spin-focused attack kept Marais Viljoen in check, restricting them to 123 all out.
Isaac Aube set the tone with a superb 2/15, while Jack Bevolo (2/22) and Kearan Weyers (2/28) provided consistent control.
Marais Viljoen’s batting effort was anchored by Jared Mentz (29), with Rieshaeel Hashim (25) and Hendre Cilliers (21) offering valuable support.
Hans Moore opener Xavier van Biljon delivered one of the most destructive knocks in schools cricket, smashing 83 not out off just 29 balls.
His innings included a staggering 10 sixes and four fours, 76 of his runs coming in boundaries, as he dismantled the bowling with clean, effortless power.
At the other end, Weyers backed up his strong bowling display with an authoritative 35 not out off 23 deliveries.
Together, the pair raced at nearly 15 runs per over, wrapping up the chase in only 8.3 overs to spark jubilant celebrations from the Hans Moore camp.
The emphatic victory not only handed Hans Moore the Easterns title, but also thrust Van Biljon into national attention as one of the most exciting emerging talents of the competition.
As the Switch Schools SA20 regional finals came to an end, both schools have earned a place in the next phase, which will be held next year.
INSIDE EDUCATION
