Ruan du Plessis makes statement as Boksburg beat Springs
A century from Ruan du Plessis helped Boksburg’s Premier XI post a healthy 249 in their Easterns Cricket Premier League encounter against Springs Old Boys, at Prince George Park.
Following a nervous start, which saw the dismissals of opening duo John Haywood and Michael Holtzhausen early on, du Plessis restored calm with his 109 off 75 balls, to put his side back on track.
Du Plessis, who’s been playing in a talismanic capacity for his side in the fairly new season, has been flirting with the century mark – posting 83 and 91 in two of his side’s last three games before the Springs encounter, which took place on Sunday, October 25.
His superb showing, which saw him take the Springs bowlers to the cleaners as he eventually hit a century, took his overall season tally to 288 in four games – averaging an impressive 72 runs a game.
With the foundation set for a commanding target for Springs to meet, fellow batsmen Heinrich Cronje (23), wicket-keeper Freddie Whitehorne (34) and Aubrey Swanepoel (37) aided the Boksburg course as their side set 249 in the match, which was revised to 46 overs following a late start caused by a wet pitch.
Boksburg reached their mark after 40.1 overs.
Springs, who were constantly put under pressure by the Boksburg bowlers, struggled to pick up momentum as they tried to make up for their 249-run arrears.
Boksburg’s Ruben Scheepers made a nuisance of himself to the visitors’ attack, with his 4/33 in his 10 overs, including one maiden.
Rynhardt Groenewald of Springs also took four wickets.
The away side had their moments, when they showed promise in overturning the target – including a score of 55 by Cameron Birnie, but, ultimately, fell short. – @SabeloBoksburg
