Former Zimbabwean international Mark Vermeulen produced a magnificent double century to headline the weekend’s SWD Promotion League action, powering Plett Pioneers to a convincing 114-run victory over Pirates United at New Horizon, Plettenberg Bay.
Vermeulen struck a superb 205 from 135 balls, blasting six sixes and 32 fours as Pioneers posted a formidable 375 all out. Pirates United fought bravely but were eventually dismissed for 261. Vermeulen, who represented Zimbabwe in nine Tests and 43 ODIs between 2000 and 2014, reminded spectators of his pedigree, which includes a memorable Test century against the West Indies in Bulawayo in 2003.
With this victory the log leaders, Pirates United, suffered their first defeat of the season after being unbeaten in five matches.
Ramblers (271/7) keep their hopes for a place in the playoffs/semi-finals alive with a 127 runs victory against Thembalethu (144 all out).
At Rooirivier-rif Ladismith (150/6) won by 4 wickets after an impressive run chase against George ‘B’ (149 all out). For Ladismith Kurt Fourie (61 from 67 balls) scored a match winning half century as Ladismith reached the target in the 33rd over.
At the Van Riebeeck Stadium Lucas Durandt produced a match winning all-round performance for Mossel Bay (277 all out).
Durandt contributed with the bat with a century – 101 from 66 balls, 2×6, 15×4 – and picked up 6/27 (in 10 overs) with the ball as the home team defeated Riversdale (146 all out) by 124 runs to bag a bonus point and keep their semi-final aspirations alive.
Ramblers vs Thembalethu
RAMBLERS 271/7 (Liberto Carelse 52, Davino Koert 43, Shelton Prins 37, Igcobe Khitshini 3/43, Mihlali Gcanga 2/42) THEMBALETHU 144 all out (Igcobe Khitshini 34, Lastword Tapfumanyei 26, Thabo Dywilli 21, Lenwill Smart 4/35, Davino Koert 2/8, Lance Roelfse 2/35) Ramblers won by 127 runs
Plett Pioneers vs Pirates United
PLETT PIONEERS 375 all out (Mark Vermeulen 205, Eden Tarentaal 41, Jacques Ahrendse 35, Jade Titus 3/45, E. Oosthuizen 3/63, Emile Sinclair 2/52)
PIRATES UNITED 261 all out (T. Bezuidenhout 86, Errol Martin 60, Jade Titus 33, Eden Tartentaal 3/39, Darryl Damons 2/60, M. Malanga 2/60)
Plett Pioneers won by 114 runs
George ‘B’ vs Ladismith
GEORGE ‘B’ 149 all out (Leroy Nortjé 48, Leon Marais 25, Elmo van der Merch 3/36, Ronald Adams 2/22, Deon Lewis 2/29, Roann Timmie 2/27) LADISMITH 150/6 (Kurt Fourie 61, Raymond April 29, Denvor Breda 24, Leroy Nortje 3/41)
Ladismith won by 4 wickets
Mossel Bay vs Riversdale
MOSSEL BAY 270 all out (Lucas Durandt 101, Tony Ferreira 45, Aseza Mzingeli 33, Herbert Groenewald 4/52, Adan Koeries 3/28) RIVERSDAL 146 all out (Lenle Evertse 25, Lucus Durandt 6/27, Prashan Kanjee 2/19). Mossel Bay won by 124 runs.
Vermeulen’s double century stuns Pirates United
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