Last years WPCA Regional champions, the Academy Panthers, served notice at Newlands on Friday that they will not easily relinquish their title after scoring an exciting 12 run win over fancied opponents, the Southern Stormers.

With solid contributions from Dominic Ridley (33), Steve Marshall (32), Wesaan Keraan (26) and Rory Kleinveldt (21) the Panthers totaled a respectable 192 after winning the toss and electing to bat first. Best bowling for the Stormers came from WP player Jonathan Trott (3/22), Primrose allrounder Faldie Abderaouf and John Hartlet (2/30).

The Southern Stormers batting struggled from the start in the face of a determined Panthers attack. The Stormers lost wickets at regular intervals and did well in the end to lose by only 12 runs. Claremont allrounder Mark Barham tried to keep the Stormers innings together with a solid innings of 32 but a lack of support from fellow batters led to the ultimate downfall of the Stormers. Only captain Marc de Stadler (27) and opening bat Sadick Davids (20) provided support. Best Panthers bowlers were Rory Kleinveldt (2/26), John Cullen (2/28) and Shafiek Abrahams (2/34).

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