Plumtree first eleven faced Falcon this past weekend on 20 January. The two teams have been archrivals for some time and on this occasion Falcon came out the victors, winning by five wickets. Plumtree elected to play a 40-over game. This saw Falcon winning the toss and electing Plumtree to open the batting.

Opening batsman G. Hudson came out after 4 balls in the first over. He was caught behind off his glove after a good delivery from S. White who ended on three for 21 at an average of 2.7 per over. Next in was R. Lombard who happens to be one of the best batsmen for Plumtree School. He eventually came out, after playing some great shots, with a score of 23 runs. He had faced 27 balls. The next batsman was M. Mabuza who is well known for staying at the crease. He made 13 runs off 66 balls after batting for over an hour. The side was faced with problems when the wicket of J. Rogers was taken, the score being 44 runs for three wickets.

This saw the entrance of C. Makotose who started smashing fours off the first two balls but was eventually bowled for 14 runs. The only notable batsman after his exit was B. Coomber who smashed a brilliant six and a couple of fours but he too fell victim from a very bad ball. The batting thereafter crumbled and Plumtree had scored 119 runs all out from 31 overs. This score was very low from a side that is capable of much better, but Falcon bowled well and made some great catches, six in total. K. Ewing ended on three for 19 and S. Trenchard three for 13. With such bowling figures it's no wonder Plumtree failed to make a respectable total.

Plumtree were not to be outdone as they came onto the field with a very positive attitude and raised their heads. C. Pholi opened the bowling attack and took a wicket in his second over, by way of a catch at first slip. He continued to bowl very well and took two more wickets to bring his bowling figures to three for 36 off eight overs. He was complemented by J. Rodgers who ended on none for 33. By lunch Plumtree's hopes had lifted with Falcon at 35 for three wickets.

After lunch C. Makotose bowled to the opposition and took a wicket to bring the score to 56 for four. He took two wickets in total, one of which he caught after a dazzling dive. He ended on two for 26, and caught two other catches during the game. It was not enough to stop Falcon who eventually came through with the required score in 28 overs with five wickets in hand. This was thanks to the great innings by the opening batsman M. Springer.

The following day the internal game (first and second team players) took place, M. Mabuza staying in for one and a half hours in managing a score of 24 runs. M. Makatose made a brilliant 41 off just 30 balls, smashing 2 sixes and 5 fours. The best bowling figures were from A. Ireland with 3 for 13 off 4 overs, and G. Hudson with 3 for 4 off 2 overs. The match was very interesting with the one team scoring 118 runs. The match was nail-biting and ended with both teams on exactly the same score. The match was therefore tied.

The next fixture is against Midlands Christian College on 27 January and will be held at Plumtree. This should be a promising game.

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