SAINTS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL TAKE CENTRAL GIRLS HONOURS, QUALIFY FOR FINALS AGAIN

Saints Christian School continued their rise as one of the strongest girls’ cricket programmes in the country, beating Hoërskool Witteberg by 24 runs to win the Switch Schools SA20 Phase 2 Central Region Final and secure qualification for the national finals at the University of Pretoria from 4–7 March 2026.

The Central Region – featuring Northern Cape representatives St Patrick’s CBC, North West powerhouse Saints (overall runners-up of Volume 1 in 2025), and Free State contenders Witteberg – delivered a final that was far more competitive than many expected.

Saints batted first and posted 111/8 in their 20 overs, a total built on grit and smart running rather than pure power. Leeanny Makusha (20 off 28, 1x4) provided stability up-front before Valencia Kitime top-scored with a patient 21 off 32 balls (2x4), through the middle overs. Jessica Joshua brought urgency late in the innings with a lively 18 off 14 (3x4), helping Saints push past the 100 mark.

Witteberg’s bowlers kept the scoring in check and gave their side a real chance. The opening pair of Dimpho Ramatlakane (1/17) and Leanne Viljoen (2/17) kept a lid on the scoring while Mia Daacke (2/15) supported with an excellent spell ensuring Saints never completely ran away with the contest.

Chasing 112, Witteberg showed impressive fight – a huge turnaround from the previous day’s group match when Saints bowled them out for just 17. In the final, Mia Daacke led the response with a fluent 34 off 31 balls (2x4), while her opening partner Zane Wessels battled hard for 28 off 45 to keep the chase alive. Having contributed with the ball earlier, Leanne Viljoen chipped in with 7 off 10 (1x4) but only the openers reached double figures as the Saints bowlers picked up regular wickets.

Best of the Saints bowlers was Gogontle Padi (2/15), closely followed by Diarabilwe Ngubeni (2/16) and further contributions from Reabetswe Dithipe (1/17), talented spinner Siphumelele Duma (1/20) and Bophelo Sothoane (1/1).

With Saints’ bowling and fielding holding firm in the closing overs, Witteberg were restricted to 87/8 handing the Potchefstroomers a well-earned Central Region title.

MATCH SUMMARY

Switch Schools SA20 Volume 2 Central Region Girls Final

Sunday, 17 January 2026 at JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom

Saints 111/8 - 20 overs (Valencia Kitime 21; Mia Daacke 2/15, Leanne Viljoen 2/15)

Witteberg 87/8 - 20 overs (Mia Daacke 34, Zane Wessels 28; Gogontle Padi 2/15, Diarabilwe Ngubeni 2/16)

Saints won by 24 runs to secure progression to Switch Schools SA20 Volume 2 Finals. [View full scorecard.]