Big weekend for Cape Town Cricket Club duo

Kyle VerreynneFile image: Kyle Verreynne.

Cape Town Cricket Club wicketkeeper-batsman Kyle Verreynne scored a maiden first-class century on Friday, 4 November 2016, when Western Province clashed with Northern Cape in a key Sunfoil 3-Day Cup fixture.

Verreynne, whose previous best first-class score was 55, scored against Namibia in Walvis Bay earlier this year, ended with 107 not out at the Wally Wilson Oval in Rondebosch, Cape Town.

The talented right-hander, who represented South Africa at the 2016 Under-19 World Cup, spent 258 minutes at the crease – and struck nine boundaries during the patient 191-delivery vigil.

He proved particularly resilient against the threat posed by franchise fast bowler Corne Dry – and enjoyed solid partnerships alongside opener Derek Mitchell, captain Sybrand Engelbrecht and all-rounders Shaheen Khan and George Linde.

Verreynne’s solid stretch of form continued in a CSA Provincial One-Day Challenge match against the same opposition on Sunday, when Cape Town Cricket Club team-mate Neo Mlumbi made his List A debut.

While Mlumbi fell for nine, Verreynne scored a promising 45, which was not enough to prevent the hosts from slipping to a 37-run defeat. The preceding first-class fixture had ended in a draw.

“Western Province, again, impressed with their positive mindset in this game, against a very strong Northern Cape side,” said WPCA CEO Nabeal Dean.

“The remarkable aspect of this team is that they have been the nursery to the Cape Cobras during the past fortnight, yet, despite losing some stalwarts to the Cobras, they have continued to defy the odds and have won games or have challenged heavyweights.

“The loss in the CSA Provincial One-Day Challenge is a pity, but it is no train smash. With this style of play, Western Province will win many friends, overwhelm opponents and grow the reserve strength of the franchise.”