adminA century from Sean Williams who made 118 runs and an unbeaten hundred from wicketkeeper Charles Coventry, not out on 106 runs saw Tuskers successfully chase down the 341 runs they required for victory with the visitors finishing on 346 for the loss of seven wickets. The hard-hitting Coventry finished off the match with a six to live up to expectations as a clean hitter of the ball.
Tuskers, who bowled out Rhinos for 65 in their first innings then went on to secure a 151 lead when they made 151 runs, were given a scare when they allowed Rhinos to almost run away with the match, the hosts posting 491 runs in their second innings, national team player Malcolm Waller top scoring with an unbeaten 208 runs while national team captain Brendan Taylor second best with 140 runs.
Set 341 runs to win, Tuskers looked in trouble when they were reduced to 91 for the loss of four wickets at the close of the third day’s proceedings.
Williams and Sean Ervine put on 51 runs for the fifth wicket before their partnership was broken. A massive stand between Williams and skipper Keegan Meth in which Williams contributed most of the runs brought Tuskers closer to victory. Off spinner Remembrance Nyathi brought an end to the stand when he had Williams caught by Vusumuzi Sibanda.
Meth fell with nine runs needed to win the match but Coventry and Glenn Querl were there to lead the side to their fourth consecutive triumph to remain unbeaten.
Tuskers collected all the seven points in the match, the one point for the first innings lead and six points for the win to cement their spot on top of the five team log. The Heath Streak coached side now have 27 points while Rhinos are second with 14 points.
Online Reporter