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Clifton T20 Cricket Tournament. Kearsney 1st XI Shine as Runners-Up in Clifton T20 Tournament.
Clifton hosted its annual T20 tournament featuring the top 10 schools in KwaZulu-Natal, joined by Waterkloof and St John’s from Harare. Despite weather concerns, the event ran smoothly and delivered thrilling cricket throughout.
Pool Stages
Kearsney and Northwood emerged as the standout teams, progressing to the semi-finals.
- Against St John’s Harare, Kearsney secured a 46-run victory thanks to a brilliant unbeaten 106 from Asher Hollister (later named Batsman of the Tournament) and a composed 66 not out from captain Keegan de Jager.
- Kearsney then defeated Hilton by 56 runs, earning a crucial bonus point. James Bishop starred with the ball, claiming the tournament’s best figures of 4 for 16.
- Their clash with Clifton was unfortunately abandoned due to rain.
Semi-Final Thriller
Facing Westville, Kearsney posted 126 for 6 in 15 overs. Westville’s chase came down to the final ball, needing 5 runs to win. In a nail-biting finish, Kearsney held their nerve to clinch victory by just 1 run, showcasing exceptional fielding under pressure.
The Final Showdown
The final pitted Kearsney against Waterkloof, South Africa’s top-ranked school side.
- Kearsney, batting first, struggled early and slipped to 49 for 5 at the halfway mark. Aaron Blackburn and Daniel Miskey fought back, lifting the total to 124 for 8.
- Waterkloof’s chase was far from straightforward. Fierce bowling from Litha Gonya, alongside spin from Mathew Gorrie and Rivan Moodley, kept the game in the balance.
- At 93 for 6 with four overs remaining, the match was finely poised. But Rico van der Walt’s composed 49 proved decisive, guiding Waterkloof to victory with four balls to spare.
Kearsney’s spirited performances—highlighted by Hollister’s century, Bishop’s bowling heroics, and the team’s resilience in the semi-final—made them worthy runners-up in what was a memorable tournament. The final against Waterkloof was a showcase of schoolboy cricket at its very best: intense, skillful, and thrilling to the last.
Read more exciting school news here: https://schoolsthatrock.co.za/
https://www.kearsney.com/college/
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