BISHOPS MAKE MORE HISTORY WITH EDGE-OF-THE-SEAT WESTERN PROVINCE FINAL WIN

In a riveting finale at Frank Reid Field on Saturday, 15 November 2025, host school Bishops Diocesan College edged out Wynberg Boys’ High School to lift the Switch Schools SA20 Western Province Boys title.

In the process, Bishops have completed a clean sweep of Switch Schools SA20 trophies available by adding the Phase 1 honours (which SACS held) to the regional Phase 2 and ‘Final Showdown’ Phase 3 silverware they won in Volume 1 of the competition.

Put in to bat first in the Final in front of a healthy home crowd, Bishops posted a challenging 138/8 in their full 20 overs. Captain and opening batter Alex Vincent, anchored the innings, with a composed 38 off 40 (4x4, 1x6) at a strike‑rate of 95. He was supported by No. 3 Cameron Macbeth (28 off 27) and a sprightly 28 off 18 by wicketkeeper Litha Mbiko, lifting the total despite wickets falling at regular intervals. Nicholas Stafford was the best of the Wynberg bowlers, claiming 4/11 from three overs as he bowled smartly in the windy conditions.

In reply, Wynberg’s chase began cautiously before unravelling under pressure. Openers Fawaaz Hendricks (18 off 16, 2x4) and Qaeed Shaik (26 off 21, 2x4) laid the initial foundation but both were run out in quick succession handing Bishops the momentum – even more so when Matthew Mills and Joshua Prince (son of national batting coach, Ashwell Prince) fell cheaply.

That chain of events placed the pressure on Wynberg captain Michail Tarentaal, and he produced a lively 48 off 37 (6x4), but he lacked support from his lower-order teammates as Bishops’ bowlers turned the screws, not least Vincent with his 2/20.

Wynberg eventually fell 8 runs short but having earlier defeated Rondebosch in the semifinals, already were assured of their place in the regional Phase 2 to be held in Stellenbosch in January 2026. Bishops, meanwhile, reaffirmed their ability to perform consistently under pressure.

PLAYER OF THE DAY

ALEX VINTCENT

Considering his predecessor, James Robb-Quinlan, both led their school to their inaugural Switch Schools SA20 national title and took home the Player of the Tournament award Bishops captain Alex Vintcent may well have felt pressure going into Volume 2. That said, the broad-shouldered all-rounder showed during the Western Province boys’ Finals Day that he can deal well with pressure.

In their semifinal against SACS, Vintcent – who opens the batting – set the initial foundation for Bishops’ innings with a quick-fire 25 before his 3/24 curtailed SACS’ hopes of defending their Phase 1 title.

Then, in the Final against Wynberg, Vintcent again led the way with the bat top-scoring with 38. Having set only 139 to win, and Wynberg making a quick start Vintcent showed his leadership ability with clever bowling changes and then taking the onus on himself in the death overs to claim a crucial 2/20 to guide his team home.

RESULTS: WESTERN PROVINCE BOYS’ FINALS DAY

Saturday, 15 November 2025 @ Bishops Diocesan College

Semifinals

Bishops Diocesan College 166/6 – 20 overs (Thaafier Japhta 37*; Saeed Conrad 4/35)

South African College High School (SACS) 145/8 – 20 overs (Litha Kraai 55; Alex Vintcent 3/24)

Bishops won by 21 runs

Rondebosch Boys’ High School 117/8 - 20 overs (Tyler Heyns 26)

Wynberg Boys’ High School 118/3 – 18.3 overs (Qaeed Shaik 37, Matthew Mills 36*)

Wynberg won by 7 wickets

Final – Frank Reid Field

Bishops Diocesan College 138/8 - 20 overs (Alex Vintcent 38; Nicholas Stafford 4/11)

Wynberg Boys’ High School 130/8 – 20 overs (Michail Tarentaal 48)

Bishops won by 8 runs but both teams progress to Phase 2