MAKHADO (LOUIS TRICHARDT) - Louis Trichardt's first cricket team produced an excellent fielding display in a league match against the Limpopo u/19 side that took place here on Sunday (9th).

Louis Trichardt topped the provincial log on points, going into the match, but failed to secure a win by 47 runs.

Louis Trichardt won the toss and elected to bowl on a lively wicket. The bowlers stuck unerringly to the game plan that was proposed, and in the innings of 50 overs, only conceded 9 extras. Pierre Jonker (2/18 in ten overs) was in great form, never allowing the batsmen to settle at the crease. He was ably assisted by Leon Fourie (2/34 in ten overs) and Bono Rambani (2/28 in eight overs).

In support of their bowlers, the Louis Trichardt side fielded brilliantly, and manufactured two crucial run-outs. For the first time this season, the Limpopo u/19 side found themselves all out for fewer than 200 runs, managing to score only 165.

Louis Trichardt needed to score at 3.3 runs per over to win the game and opener Leon Fourie (45) set about the task admirably. His innings included seven 4's and a 6. At 60 for 3, Louis Trichardt was still in a good position, but the loss of a few quick wickets saw them falter at 87 for 8. Pieter Jooste (28) wagged the tail slightly, but the side was bowled out for 118.

Louis Trichardt showed that they must be taken note of in the Limpopo cricketing fraternity, and what is pleasing is that a great number of younger players are coming through from school level to make their mark. Louis Trichardt will be taking part in a three-day tournament to be held in Polokwane from November 28 until 30, as well as the Polokwane club championship knockout competition later in the year. The three-day tournament will also be used for trials to select the Limpopo regional team for the next season. The next league match for the first team is scheduled for next year in February, when the side takes on Phalaborwa in Duivelskloof.

On the local scene, the Saturday league is also drawing to a close, with semi-finals and finals in all three sections set to take place over the next few weeks