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CAPTAIN CAYDEN WILSON LEADS PEARSON TO NATIONAL FINALS
The Schools SA20 Phase 2 boys' tournament in East London showcased the cricketing prowess of the Eastern Cape's top school teams, culminating in a thrilling final at Buffalo Park where Pearson High School emerged victorious over neighbours Grey High School by 29 runs.
Pearson's journey to the final was marked by consistent performances. After their opener against Kei's Mqanduli Village JSS was abandoned due to the inclement weather they then beat Jumba JSS by 10 wickets later on Day 1. On Day 2, Queen's College Boys' HS was thrashed by 10 wickets setting up a semifinal against Selborne College, where a tight bowling display restricted Selborne to 87 runs. Pearson chased down the target with four wickets in hand, thanks to contributions from captain Cayden Wilson and Luke Hector.
In the final, against their favoured Gqeberha neighbours, Pearson elected to bat first. Despite early setbacks, losing two wickets quickly, captain Cayden Wilson anchored the innings with a commanding 69 off 46 balls. He was well-supported by Luke Hector, who added a steady 25 runs. Their partnership propelled Pearson to a competitive total of 156/8.
Defending their total, Pearson's bowlers delivered a disciplined performance. Kade Myburgh led the attack with figures of 3/21, while Wilson, Sulaymaan Gangat, and Jaydan Ward each took two wickets. Grey High's Frederick Jansen offered resistance with a quickfire 28 off 12 balls, but the team ultimately fell short, being bowled out for 127.
Pearson's triumph not only secured the Easterns Cape regional title but also earned them a spot in the Schools SA20 national finals, set to take place in Pretoria in mid-March 2025. Their unbeaten run in Phase 2, characterised by strong leadership, strategic batting, and effective bowling, positions them as formidable contenders when the 'Final Showdown' rolls around...
The triumphant Pearson squad with their Schools SA20 Phase 2 trophy are: (back row, left to right) Kade Myburgh, Jaydan Ward, Zac Zietsman, Matthew Burton, Cade Hummel, Daniel Ritchie, Jonno Holmes and (front row, left to right) Cayden Wilson, Cale Price, Luke Hector, Jude Septoo, Sulaymaan Gangat.
SUMMARISED SCORECARD – SCHOOLS SA20 EASTERN CAPE BOYS FINAL
Sunday, 19 January 2025 | Buffalo Park, East London
Pearson 156/8 - 20 overs (Cayden Wilson 69; Markus Potgieter 3/20)
Grey 127 all out - 19.5 overs (Frederick Jansen 28; Kade Myburgh 3/21)
Pearson won by 29 runs. Click here for full match scorecard.
