AFFIES HOLD NERVE WIN NORTHERN REGIONAL TITLE, BOOK PLACE AT PHASE 3 FINALS

Affies held their nerve to clinch a thrilling 3-run victory over Hoërskool Hans Moore in the Switch Schools SA20 Phase 2 Northern Region Final at Benoni Northern Cricket Club, booking their place at the national finals to be hosted at the University of Pretoria from 4–7 March 2026.

Batting first, Affies posted a competitive 138/6 from their 20 overs, built around a steady top-order effort and a late push that proved vital in the context of the match. Opener JP Botha contributed a valuable 22 from 20 deliveries 2x4), while number 3 Christian Linde top-scored with a composed 34 off 27 balls (4x4), finding gaps early and keeping the scoreboard ticking.

Middle-order batter, Paul Bester provided the finishing spark, remaining unbeaten on 25 off just 14 balls (1x4, 2x6) to lift Affies to a defendable total.

Hans Moore fought back strongly with the ball through Kearan Weyers, who delivered a superb spell of 2/16 in four overs to apply pressure through the middle phase. Kyle Wratten (1/25) and Stephan Vermaak (1/32) chipped in with key wickets, ensuring Affies never fully broke free. Vermaak's dismissal of Affies' captain and key man Vihan Pretorius for just 14 off 11 balls (1x4, 1x6) kept a lid on their ability to accelerate the scoring.

In reply, Hans Moore looked to be in control thanks to an outstanding innings from Aiden Shaw, who struck 75 off 61 balls (4x4, 5x6) in a measured chase that threatened to take the game away. Sohil Jugnath supported with 22 off 29, while opener Xavier van Biljon injected early impetus with a rapid 13 off 6 balls (2x6).

However, Affies’ bowling unit and their fielding held firm in the decisive moments whereas Hans Moore will be left stew over the panic which set into their middle order. Armin Snyman led the way with 2/20 from three overs, while Jaden Beukes (1/15) delivered crucial control.

Most significantly, a hat-trick of run-outs (to make it in five in total for the innings) in the final over helped Affies defend their total by the narrowest of margins, sealing a memorable Northern Region title over Titans, Easterns and Limpopo opposition.

MATCH SUMMARY

Northern Region Phase 2 Boys Final

Sunday, 25 January 2026 at Benoni Northern Cricket Club A Field

Affies 138/6 - 20 overs (Christian Linde 34; Kearan Weyers 2/16)

Hans Moore 135/8 - 20 overs (Aiden Shaw 75; Armin Snyman 2/20)

Affies win by 3 runs and progress to Switch Schools SA20 Volume 2 Finals