MARK WARD

Claremont’s hopes of retaining the Western Province Cricket Association (WPCA) Premier League title might have faded but the team’s captain Josh Breed remains optimistic.

Breed’s side suffered a shock 18-run defeat in their home match against Bellville on Saturday, January 27, leaving them on 34 points from 13 games.

Log leaders Western Province Cricket Club, meanwhile, entrenched their top spot with a six-wicket win over Rylands at the Wally Wilson Oval, leaving on 57 points.

Claremont Cricket Club captain Josh Breed remains optimistic despite his side’s defeat against Bellville, at the weekend. Picture: Mark Ward

“As things stand the bulk of our remaining games are at home and as seen in recent weeks how the results have gone makes me believe that we are still in the race to successfully defend our title.

“But the reality is that we will have to win all our remaining games and this is the challenge for us. There have been some setbacks this season, especially the ongoing issue regarding George Hargrave. There has been no final ruling on the matter. But if it goes against us we might lose 10 points. Then it's over for us,” said Breed.

Marcus Fourie of Bellville celebrating after taking a scalp in a Western Province Cricket Association Premier League match against Claremont at the Constantia Oval n Saturday. Picture: Mark Ward

Bellville, after they were sent into bat amassed 253 in their allotted 50 overs with Courtney Adams scoring century (100) off 94 deliveries. Adams together with Cody Nieuwoudt (44) set an opening partnership of 118 runs which laid the foundation for the visitor’s victory.

But while the Bellville batters did the trick it was spinner Kai Chetty who mesmerised the home side’s batters with a five-wicket haul (5/41) in 10 overs.

Claremont’s Matthew de Villiers (60) and Kia Greig (42) produced brave performances in their side’s run chase.

Log leaders Western province Cricket Club meanwhile beat Rylands by six (6) wickets after restricting the visitors to 185/8 in their 50 overs. Mujahid Behardien (34) and Waseem Mukuddem (36) top scored for Rylands.

Primrose continued their run of good form when they trounced Milnerton by 122 runs. Abdul-Qadeer Salie top scored with 79 from 80 deliveries which included seven fours to help his side reach 266 in 49.3 overs. But it was the bowlers who produced the magic lead by seamer Maahir Eksteen who took 4/10 in 5.1 overs. David Schierhout (2/36), Daiyaan Davids 2/34 and Qaasim Adams (2/24) also produced outstanding bowling performances. Primrose now stands on 19 points from 14 games.

WP Premier League results:

Cape Town vs Durbanville: Durbanville won by 8 wickets; Bellville vs Claremont: Bellville won by 18 runs; Rondebosch vs Kraaifontein: Rondebosch won by 128 runs; Primrose vs Milnerton: Primrose won by 122 runs;

Green Point vs UWC: UWC won by 6 wickets

Rylands vs WP Cricket Club: WP Cricket Club won by 6 wickets