CMCA Powerwise T20 League

SCOTTBURGH, June 7, 2025 – Scottburgh Country Club was abuzz with excitement this past Saturday, hosting a thrilling day of cricket finals orchestrated by the Clinton Moodley Cricket Academy (CMCA), proudly supported by Powerwise. The day was marked by two highly anticipated championship clashes and, in a truly historic first for the community, featured a girls’ cricket tournament final.

The grass embankments were packed with enthusiastic parents, friends, and families, all eager to witness the young talent on display. Their unwavering support added a special atmosphere to what was already a momentous occasion for local cricket development.

Girls Make History in Inaugural T10 Final!

The day kicked off bright and early at 8:45 AM with the much-anticipated CMCA Powerwise Girls T10 final, an event that marked a significant milestone for female participation in the sport locally. The CMCA Lions, led by Captain Hadassah Fredericks, won the toss and elected to field, confident in their bowling attack.

The CMCA Jaguars, under the confident leadership of Captain Yajna Singh, opened their innings with Vice Captain Stefanie Gerber. The dynamic duo established a solid 33-run partnership before Stefanie was brilliantly run out by a combined effort from Lions’ skipper Hadassah Fredericks and wicketkeeper Janel Gerber. Jillian Sedlemeier-Dutton then joined Captain Singh, and together they built a formidable 42-run stand. Singh, who was in outstanding form, contributed a crucial 30 runs before being dismissed lbw (leg before wicket) by Timera Naicker. Valerie du Plooy then added a valuable 14 runs with Jillian to help the Jaguars post a challenging total of 89/2 in their allotted 10 overs.

In response, the Lions’ chase began with Captain Hadassah Fredericks and Vice Captain Timera Naicker forming a promising 39-run opening partnership. However, disaster struck when Captain Fredericks was dismissed by a sensational direct hit run-out from Jaguars’ skipper Yajna Singh. The Jaguars maintained intense pressure, quickly removing incoming batter Janel Gerber with another sharp run-out between Jillian Sedlemeier-Dutton and wicketkeeper Stefanie Gerber. With two more rapid wickets falling, the Jaguars effectively stifled the Lions, restricting them to 54/4. Valerie du Plooy and Evie du Plessis were instrumental in the final overs, each claiming a wicket. Timera Naicker (13 runs) and Hadassah Fredericks (12 runs) were the top scorers for the Lions.

The CMCA Jaguars ultimately triumphed with a convincing 35-run victory! The well-deserved Player of the Match award for the Girls’ T10 Finals went to Jaguars Skipper Yajna Singh, whose all-round brilliance included a crucial 30 runs with the bat, an impressive 2 overs bowled at an economy of 5, and that pivotal direct hit run-out. The CMCA coaches expressed immense pride in the girls’ remarkable improvement and bravery throughout the tournament.

SHS Rockets Dethrone Green Mambas in Powerwise T20 Thriller!

At 10:30 AM, the atmosphere intensified as the highly anticipated CMCA Powerwise T20 League final commenced. In a clash of titans, the SHS Rockets Development Cricket team faced off against the formidable three-time champions, the Green Mambas.

Rockets’ Captain Neil Bezuidenhout won the toss and opted to field, a decision that suited Green Mambas Skipper Rorke Harris, who was eager to set a commanding total. Harris opened the batting alongside Advay Jeewan, forging a strong 40-run partnership before Advay had to retire due to injury. Shivesh Moodley joined Harris, continuing the momentum with a 32-run stand before Harris was stumped for a well-played 39 runs by wicketkeeper Justin Brown. With the Mambas at 72/1 after 8.5 overs, Seth du Plessis entered the fray. He and Shivesh Moodley then unleashed a massive 70-run partnership, pushing the Green Mambas to a dominant position. Despite the fall of Seth’s wicket at 142 runs in the 17th over, Liam Jackson, Shivesh Moodley, and Anton Bezuidenhout ensured a formidable total of 177/3 after 20 overs. Neil Bezuidenhout, Justin Brown, and Jayden Gildenhuys each picked up a wicket for the Rockets.

The stage was set for a thrilling chase. Rockets’ openers Justin Brown and Sohail Khan provided a solid start with a 30-run partnership before Sohail was dismissed by Seth du Plessis. Rovin Pillay fell quickly to Shivesh Moodley, caught by Kyan Rampear. Deshan Pillay then joined Justin Brown, reigniting the Rockets’ hopes with a crucial partnership. However, the game took a dramatic turn when Justin Brown, having scored a magnificent 55 runs, was dismissed by a stunning backward diving catch from Rorke Harris at mid-off.

With the game hanging in the balance, Jayden Gildenhuys came in and built on the partnership with Deshan, pushing the team closer to the finish line. But the left-arm seamer Seth du Plessis struck again, dismissing Jayden for 16 runs. Rockets’ Captain Neil Bezuidenhout walked to the crease with the team needing 70 runs off 7.2 overs and five wickets down. The Rockets showed immense fighting spirit, and Deshan Pillay, who was dropped on the last ball of the 17th over, stole a crucial single to retain strike.

The tension was palpable as Seth du Plessis returned to bowl the 18th over. On the very first delivery, the young seamer clean bowled Deshan Pillay, who had batted heroically for 61 runs. With five wickets down and just 4 runs needed off 11 balls, the match was a nail-biter. Bryden Mitchell scored a single off his first ball, putting Captain Neil Bezuidenhout on strike with the fate of the match in his hands. Seth du Plessis bowled two dot balls, but Captain Bezuidenhout remained calm. On the next delivery, Seth bowled one on the pads, and Neil calmly flicked it for four, securing a sensational victory for the SHS Rockets! They defeated the three-time champions Green Mambas by five wickets in a truly unforgettable final!

The Player of the Match for the CMCA Powerwise T20 League Final was deservingly awarded to Justin Brown for his outstanding performance of 55 runs, taking one wicket, and securing two crucial stumpings.

Acknowledging the Champions and Community Support

The CMCA Powerwise Series for 2025 concluded with triumphant champions across all categories:

• CMCA Powerwise T-Ball Tournament:Junior Rockets
• CMCA Powerwise Girls T10 Final:CMCA Jaguars
• CMCA Powerwise T20 League:SHS Rockets Development Team

The Clinton Moodley Cricket Academy extends a heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this spectacular day possible. Special gratitude goes to Scottburgh High School for allowing their Junior team to participate and to their Sports Department for their continuous support and the use of the school field. A massive appreciation to Shanya Van Niekerk from the Scottburgh Country Club for her unwavering dedication to ensuring the grounds were impeccable and for her commitment to cricket development in the community. Thanks also to Sezela Cricket Club for the use of the Cricket pitch and ensuring that it was ready for the youngsters for every game.

A monumental thank you is reserved for the title sponsor, Mr. Bevesh Jeewan from Powerwise, whose generous support was instrumental in the success of the series. Finally, sincere thanks to the dedicated coaches – Robert Miller, Julian Rivetti, Mikael Ganesan, Veronique Duplooy, and Clinton Moodley – for their tireless efforts in ensuring a smooth tournament, motivating all participants, and fostering a love for the game. And, of course, to all the parents who supported their children throughout this exciting journey on the South Coast.