ST ANDREW'S BLOEM RETURN TO NATIONAL STAGE WITH COMMANDING CENTRAL REGION TRIUMPH

St Andrew’s School Bloemfontein booked their place at the Switch Schools SA20 national finals with a composed 37-run victory over Hoërskool Rustenburg in the Phase 2 Central Region Final, confirming their return to the University of Pretoria from 4–7 March 2026.

The Central Region brought together leading schools from across three provinces. Free State was represented by St Andrew’s and Hoërskool Trio, Northern Cape by Hoërskool Kalahari and CBC St Patrick’s, and hosts North West by Potchefstroom Gimnasium and Rustenburg Hoërskool. After competitive group stages and semifinals in Potchefstroom, it was St Andrew’s – who featured at the Volume 1 national finals – and Rustenburg who advanced to the decider at JB Marks Oval.

Batting first, St Andrew’s delivered a polished performance to post 144/4 in their 20 overs. Middle-order batter FG Botha led from the front with a blistering unbeaten 57 off just 30 balls (6x4, 2x6), striking cleanly and accelerating when it mattered most. Opener Johnathan Hickley laid the platform with a steady run-a-ball 26 o(2x4), while Grove du Preez contributed an important 24 off 20 (3x4) in a 56-run partnership with Botha to maintain momentum through the middle overs.

Rustenburg’s bowlers worked hard to limit the damage. The new ball pair of Thian Labuschagne (1/14) and Carl Fryer (0/14) were economical from their allotted four overs, while Shayloy Cox (1/21 in two overs), Baba Metsileng (1/33 in two) and Andries Fyer (1/16 in three) chipped in with key breakthroughs. However, St Andrew’s disciplined batting ensured they finished strongly with a competitive total.

In reply, Rusties needed a solid start but found themselves chasing the game as wickets fell at crucial intervals. Carl Fryer stood tall with a determined unbeaten 54 off 53 balls (2x6), anchoring the innings and keeping faint hopes alive. Opener Tristan van der Linde initially provided him support with 22 off 21 (2x6), while Berto Grobler added 11 not out from 18 deliveries. However, the required rate steadily climbed beyond reach.

St Andrew’s bowlers executed their plans with precision. Erhard Barends led the attack with 2/20 from four overs alongside his new ball partner Schalk van Rensburg (1/20 in four). Meanwhile, leg-spinner Nikhil Sukraj delivered an outstanding spell of 2/14 in his four overs ensuring Rustenburg were restricted to 107/5 at the close.

The victory sees St Andrew’s again crowned Central Region champions to mark a return to the national stage. Having experienced the intensity of the Volume 1 finals (where they claimed the Spirit of Cricket Award), they now head to Pretoria with renewed belief and the ambition to go even further in 2026.

MATCH SUMMARY

Switch Schools SA20 Central Region Phase 2 Boys Final

Sunday, 18 January 2026 at JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom

St Andrew's 144/4 - 20 overs (FG Botha 57*; Thian Labuschagne 1/14)

Rustenburg 107/5 - 20 overs (Carl Fryer 54*; Nikhil Sukraj 2/14, Erhard Barends 2/20)

St Andrew's win by 37 runs and progress to Switch Schools SA20 Volume 2 Finals. [View full scorecard.]