NOMANDI GIRLS CLAIM EASTERN CAPE PHASE 2 TITLE, QUALIFY FOR FINALS AGAIN

Nomandi Junior Secondary School's girls once again proved they belong on the big stage, edging Woodridge College by four runs in a tense Switch Schools SA20 Phase 2 Eastern Cape Final to secure qualification for the national finals at the University of Pretoria from 4–7 March 2026.

The Eastern Cape leg – featuring Border champions and Phase 2 co-hosts Stirling High School, Eastern Province representatives Woodridge, and Kei champions Nomandi – delivered a fitting finale, packed with momentum swings and late-match drama. Nomandi, who qualified for the national finals in Volume 1 back in 2025, showed their trademark resilience when it mattered most.

Batting first, Nomandi were bowled out for 116 in 19.2 overs, but their total was built on crucial contributions throughout the order. Not least No. 8 Yonga Tenjwa, who top-scored with a confident 28 off 24 balls (2x4), striking at the right moments to keep the innings moving. Yamkela Mnqabashe added 15 off 16 (1x4), while opener Unako Nompandana played a patient hand of 12 off 27 (1x4) to be the only member of the top 6 to reach double figures as Nomandi tried to build partnerships on a surface offering assistance to the bowlers.

Woodridge’s attack shared the workload effectively, but Ashlee Buhr (3/12) was the standout ripping through Nomandi's middle order. Further bowling contributions came from Quinn Foreman (2/23) and Ashley Pietersen (1/15).

In reply, Woodridge made a strong push for the title behind a composed innings from opener Quinn Foreman, who struck 42 off 43 balls (3x4) and looked set to steer her side home. Number 3 Ava Horner added a lively 28 off 26 (2x4), while Giabi Puttergill’s 9 off 23 (1x4) helped hold the chase together alongside Foreman initially.

But Nomandi’s bowling turned the match in the closing stages. Olwethu Njani delivered an economical 1/12 from four overs, matched by Kwanele Kratshi’s tidy 1/12 from two. Amile Bushula (1/24) also kept things tight, ensuring Woodridge never got away.

Ultimately, Woodridge finished on 112/6, falling agonisingly short as Nomandi celebrated another Eastern Cape crown and a return to the national finals.

MATCH SUMMARY

Switch Schools SA20 Volume 2 Eastern Cape Girls Final

Saturday, 17 January 2026 at Bohemian Cricket Club, East London

Nomandi 116 all out - 19.2 overs (Yonga Tenjwa 28; Ashlee Buhr 3/12)

Woodridge 112/6 - 20 overs (Quinn Foreman 42; Olwethu Njani 1/12, Kwenele Kratshi 1/12)

Nomandi won by 4 runs to secure progression to Switch Schools SA20 Volume 2 Finals. [View full scorecard.]