Old Grey Cricket Club secured a spot in the national club championships with a convincing 173-run win over Border champions United Cricket Club. The match took place at the Old Selbornian Cricket Club in KuGompo City on Saturday. This triumph was a result of their hard work during the off-season, which led to their success in the 2025/26 NMBCA Premier League.
The Gqeberha-based team, Old Grey, posted a total of 244 for seven from their 50 overs, with Ashley Ostling and Elnathan Meiri forming a crucial partnership. Ostling scored 76 off 129 balls, including five fours and a six, while Meiri made 77 off 73 balls, with two fours and three sixes. Their 118-run third-wicket stand laid the foundation for the team's competitive score.
Old Grey's bowlers played a significant role in their victory, effectively dismantling the United Cricket Club chase. Gift Kwatsha claimed 5/16 from nine overs, while Jack Loram took 2/29 and Sadique Patel 2/12. United was bowled out for 71 in 23.6 overs, with Joshua Plaaitjies top-scoring at 25 and Nathan George remaining unbeaten on 17.
Head coach Michael Ensal expressed his pride in the team's collective effort and hard work during the off-season. He mentioned that their strategy to bat first and post a competitive score paid off, given the challenging outfield conditions. Ensal also praised Kwatsha and Loram for their aggressive bowling at the start of the innings.
The win secures Old Grey's place at the national club championships in January 2027 as the Eastern Cape representatives. Their immediate focus will be on T20 cricket over the next few weeks before they return to the longer format ahead of the club championships. Ensal expressed his ambition to excel in the upcoming T20 competition as well.
Old Grey Cricket Club's success can be attributed to their significant turnaround from the previous season, where they finished third in the league. The team's determination and hard work during the off-season have yielded positive results, and they look forward to making an impact at the national club championships.
With their sights set on future competitions, Old Grey Cricket Club aims to continue improving in all three facets of the game. The team's confidence and momentum will likely carry them through to the national club championships, where they will compete against other top teams from across the country.
Key points
- Old Grey Cricket Club qualified for the national club championships with a 173-run victory over Border's United CC.
- The team's success is attributed to their hard work during the off-season and their win in the 2025/26 NMBCA Premier League.
- Old Grey will focus on T20 cricket before heading to the national club championships in January 2027.
