SELBORNE EDGE ST ANDREW'S COLLEGE TO SEAL EASTERN CAPE TICKET TO VOLUME 2 FINALS

Selborne College capitalised on familiarity to overcome St Andrew’s College in a fiercely contested Switch Schools SA20 Phase 2 Eastern Cape Final at Bohemian Cricket Club in East London, earning qualification for the national finals at the University of Pretoria from 4–7 March 2026.

The Eastern Cape leg in East London showcased some of the province’s most respected cricketing institutions. Border was represented by co-hosts Selborne College and the Alice Regional Performance Centre, Eastern Province featured St Andrew’s College and Grey High School, while Kei’s challenge came from Nomandi Junior Secondary School and Mqanduli Village Junior Secondary School. After competitive group stages and semifinals, it was Selborne and St Andrew’s who rose above the rest to contest the regional decider.

Batting first, St Andrew’s posted a competitive 122/7 in their 20 overs, anchored by a superb innings from their captain Rhys Wiblin. He compiled a patient 60 off 64 balls (2x4, 1x6), holding the innings together and ensuring his side batted through the overs. Connor Holder (10 off 9, 1x4), Mida Nkontso (18 off 22, 1x4) and William Stevens (10 off 8, 1 x4) provided support to lift the total past 120.

Selborne’s bowlers stuck to their plans well. Border Under-19 quick Matthew Hendry and his new ball partner Avetandwa Manyongo kept it tight upfront, before Dan Tarr (3/15) applied the pressure during the middle phase. If St Andrew's hoped to gain ground at the back end, Reid Drake put paid to that with a key spell claiming 2/20 off two overs.

In reply, Selborne produced a composed and clinical chase, reaching 123/2 in just 16.4 overs. Star man Josh Wilkie anchored the innings with an assured unbeaten 57 off 50 balls (7x4), pacing the chase perfectly. He was well supported by Matthew Hendry, who struck 27 not out from 32 deliveries (1x4, 1x6) to guide the hosts home without late drama. Thomas Lyon’s brisk 18 off 9 balls (3x4) and Cian O'Neil's 12 off 9 (2x4) earlier in the innings helped seize momentum and put St Andrew’s on the back foot.

St Andrew’s bowlers fought for breakthroughs, and it was only first-change William Stevens (2/27) who managed to do so.

Selborne’s confident run chase sealed the Eastern Cape title and confirmed their ticket to Pretoria, where they will look to carry their home-ground momentum onto the national stage in March 2026.

MATCH SUMMARY

Switch Schools SA20 Eastern Cape Phase 2 Boys Final

Sunday, 18 January 2026 at Bohemian Cricket Club, East London

St Andrew's 122/7 - 20 overs (Rhys Wiblin 60; Dan Tarr 3/15)

Selborne 123/2 - 16.4 overs (Joshua Wilkie 57*; William Stevens 2/27)

Selborne win by 8 wickets and progress to Switch Schools SA20 Volume 2 Finals. [View full scorecard.]