A new record was set by debutant Rohan van der Mescht as the West Coast Rollers picked up a rare win in Stellenbosch against old enemies the Scorpions.
The decision to bat first was almost instantly regretted as the Rollers lost Hannes Moore for 1, bowled by Greame Skelding. The miserly Riaan van der Rheede produced excellent figures of 7-1-15-0 from the other end as Bryan Bowler (17) and Rohan carefully went about the rebuild.
After Bryan and Peter Muller (5) were dismissed in quick succession, Neville Cooper (28) enjoyed the best seat in the house as Rohan found the boundary at ease on the way to an impressive century.
Rohan was aided ably by Nic Slabbert (16) as he flew to a new Rollers record high score of 144* (111) in an incredible innings, with the pair taking the total to an imposing 218.
The Scorpions looked solid in response until Peter (1/19) - fresh from the yips - removed Pat Larson to get the early breakthrough.
Wilhelm (58) put together a good half-century but Nic and Sean Cooper kept the run-rate in check until drinks, with the match evenly poised.
Christiaan van der Merwe (2/35) - having thankfully left his dodgy leg-spin beyond - broke the game open after the interval when he took his first Rollers wicket to dismiss the set Gavin Stander (27) and Riaan van der Rheede (1). His wickets were backed up by an excellent spell by Michael van Dewenter (3/42), who was able to bowl seven overs on the trot, much to everyone’s surprise.
Dumi Maqeda (1-10) wasn’t going to be outdone by Christiaan. He too took his first Rollers wicket in his four-over spell which, despite a late flourish from Johann Kapp (49*), went at only 2.5 runs per over to secure the victory for the Rollers by 16 runs.
We couldn’t have asked for a better start to the season on and off the field - the Scorpions were excellent hosts as always. After a combined 420 runs (34% of them from Rohan’s bat!) and 12 wickets in a game played in great spirit, both teams enjoyed some deserved beers, boerie rolls and fines. Thanks to Gavin and team for having us, we look forward to returning next year.
Report by Tom Stapylton-Smith
Congrats to the team and pleased to read that there are new Rollers who brought added value by their performances. Enjoy being a part of the Rollers and many enjoyable hours shared with 'Good Okes'. Dave Hillman