The superb batting performances during the autumn set up the spectacular acceleration by the Nashua Cape Cobras as they leapfrogged the Chevrolet Knights into fourth position on the Sunfoil Series log, said Paul Adams, thrilled Cobras coach.
The Cobras thrashed the Sunfoil Dolphins by an innings and 117 runs in the final Sunfoil Series match of the season and bagged 21.62 points.
They finished the season fourth on the four-day domestic log on 87.88 points. It is marginally ahead of the Chevrolet Knights (86.88 points).
The bizhub Highveld Lions, with 151.64 points, was crowned Sunfoil Series champions of the 2014/2015-season
The rejuvenated Cobras’ thrilling win against the Dolphins in Pietermaritzburg was set up by a massive first-innings score.
Justin Ontong (166, 228 balls, 18x4, 1x6) and Justin Kemp (143, 150 balls, 18x4, 6x6) were the major contributors.
Matthew Kleinveldt managed 97, while the veteran Andrew Puttick scored 75. They set the foundation for the Ontong-onslaught and the Kemp-pyrotechnics by adding 131 runs for the opening wicket.
“We bowled beautifully in the first innings,” said Adams.
“Dane (Paterson) was consistent the whole season and he came a long way in all three formats,” he said.
“What was impressive is that he possibly finished as the man who bowled the most overs, and also took the most wickets (42 in the Sunfoil Series competition),” added Adams.
Beuran Hendricks produced his two best performances of the season in the final two Sunfoil Series matches, added Adams.
Hendricks stuck to an off-stump line and finished with a match haul of seven for 75.
His four for 42 in 17 overs in the first innings included three top-order victims which set up the Dolphins demise.
Adams said Hendricks bowled with good control and pace of around 135 to 140 kilometres per hour, which kept the Dolphins under pressure.
“It is important to continue his rebuilding in the off-season following that injury,” he added.
The coach said it was not an easy wicket to bat on in Pietermaritzburg, but Ontong found the boundary ropes with some clean striking.
“Kemp probably had one of his best four-day batting performances for a while,” he added.
The Cobras suffered a four-day slump at the start of the season, and following a demoralizing eight-wicket defeat to the Dolphins at Newlands, the squad assembled and discussed their top-order flaws and the need to address the lack of top- and middle-order partnerships.
That frank indaba proved to be a turning point, and the team improved markedly at the back-end of the competition.
They finished the season fourth on the four-day domestic log on 87.88 points. It is marginally ahead of the Chevrolet Knights (86.88 points).
The bizhub Highveld Lions, with 151.64 points, was crowned Sunfoil Series champions of the 2014/2015-season
The rejuvenated Cobras’ thrilling win against the Dolphins in Pietermaritzburg was set up by a massive first-innings score.
Justin Ontong (166, 228 balls, 18x4, 1x6) and Justin Kemp (143, 150 balls, 18x4, 6x6) were the major contributors.
Matthew Kleinveldt managed 97, while the veteran Andrew Puttick scored 75. They set the foundation for the Ontong-onslaught and the Kemp-pyrotechnics by adding 131 runs for the opening wicket.
“We bowled beautifully in the first innings,” said Adams.
“Dane (Paterson) was consistent the whole season and he came a long way in all three formats,” he said.
“What was impressive is that he possibly finished as the man who bowled the most overs, and also took the most wickets (42 in the Sunfoil Series competition),” added Adams.
Beuran Hendricks produced his two best performances of the season in the final two Sunfoil Series matches, added Adams.
Hendricks stuck to an off-stump line and finished with a match haul of seven for 75.
His four for 42 in 17 overs in the first innings included three top-order victims which set up the Dolphins demise.
Adams said Hendricks bowled with good control and pace of around 135 to 140 kilometres per hour, which kept the Dolphins under pressure.
“It is important to continue his rebuilding in the off-season following that injury,” he added.
The coach said it was not an easy wicket to bat on in Pietermaritzburg, but Ontong found the boundary ropes with some clean striking.
“Kemp probably had one of his best four-day batting performances for a while,” he added.
The Cobras suffered a four-day slump at the start of the season, and following a demoralizing eight-wicket defeat to the Dolphins at Newlands, the squad assembled and discussed their top-order flaws and the need to address the lack of top- and middle-order partnerships.
That frank indaba proved to be a turning point, and the team improved markedly at the back-end of the competition.
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