Mixed fortunes for WP Academy team 

15 September 2009 – The Western Province Academy won two matches and lost one on their pre-season tour to Oudtshoorn recently. “It was typical pre-season,” said Paul Phillipson, the Western Province Amateur Coaching Manager and Academy coach. “It was virtually the first time the boys had played outdoors because all of our skills work has had to be done indoors because of the weather.” The WP Academy won a low-scoring opening match against Eastern Province Academy. After bowling out their opponents for 90 they slumped to 59-8 against some excellent swing bowling from Reece Williams, who has been contracted by the Warriors for the coming season. Williams took 5-14 in nine overs. Dane Piedt, who bowled well earlier, steered the team to a one-wicket win. Sharn Gomes hit a century and shared a 106-run partnership with Sean Hendrieck (55) to set up a convincing 131-run win against Border Academy. Former SACS pupil Carson Lederle gave a fine display of swing bowling, together with Khanyiso Jack. Phiillipson said Lederle reminded him of another SACS product, former Nashua Cape Cobras star Alan Dawson. “He’s got a similar long run-up and bowls with good control and swings the ball nicely.” In their final match, the WP Academy suffered a six-wicket defeat against the University of Fort Hare Academy team. The Fort Hare set-up is backed by Cricket South Africa, with former Test fast bowler Mfuneko Ngam and leading coach Greg Hayes providing their expertise. “I was very impressed with the Fort Hare team,” said Phillipson. “They stuck to their task with the ball and they batted well to reach a reasonably challenging total.” Although Lederle produced another fine bowling performance, the WP Academy side conceded 35 runs in wides in conditions where the ball swung appreciably. They also dropped several catches after fielding well on the first two days.

RESULTS  Friday September 4^th vs  EP Academy at Oudtshoorn Recreation Ground; EP Academy 90 in 32 overs Dane Piedt 3 – 18 (9 overs), Aviwe Mgijima 3 – 20 (7 overs) Ryan van Niekerk 2 – 14 (5 overs) WP Academy 91 – 9 in 26.2 oversDane Piedt 16 not out WP Academy won by 1 wicket  Saturday September 5^th vs Border Academy at Bridgton B; WP  Academy 217 - 4  in 45 oversSharn Gomes 100 (131 balls); Sean Hendrieck 55 (80 balls)Rob van der Ross 25 (38 balls) Border Academy 86 in 26.2 oversCarson Lederle 3 – 20 (7 overs); Khanyiso Jack 3 – 18 (5 overs);Siya Sibiya 3 – 34 (6 overs) WP Academy won by 131 runs  Sunday September 6^th vs University of Fort Hare Academy at Bridgton A:  WP Academy 185 – 9 in 45 oversMichael Pote 32 (46 balls); Ryan van Niekerk 29 (23 balls);Siya Sibiya 22 (32 balls) Fort Hare Academy: 187 – 4  in 44.2 oversCarson Lederle 3 – 35 (8.2 overs); Extras 39 (35 wides) Fort Hare Academy won by 6 wickets