The Rollers began their season on a horror note in losing to the Scorpions by 95 runs in Stellenbosch on Sunday.
After being asked to bowl first, wides were the order of the day - despite Peter’s absence - as the Rollers’ bowlers struggled to dust off the cobwebs. Some rhythm was found as JP de Bruin (1-19) and Sean Cooper (1-20) took an early wicket each before Handre Scheepers settled into his spell.
His seven overs on the trot returned figures of 2-18 as he and Michael van Dewenter (1-25) put the breaks on the Scorpions’ innings and took some key wickets in the middle overs.
Dion Welman and Nico Rheeder picked up a wicket each bowling at the death as the Scorpions posted 170-7 in their 35 overs.
The Rollers’ innings began with optimism, but that quickly vanished as Riaan (3-11) and Hennie (3-13) bowled with excellent control to dismiss all of the top five well before the half-century mark was reached.
Handre Scheepers (23), supported by JP de Bruin and Sean and Ayden Cooper, added some (although, not much) respectability to the total as the Rollers were eventually dismissed for a paltry 76.
As always, the Scorpions were excellent hosts as beers were enjoyed for the Bokke while the Rollers were left wishing they could have provided a closer contest on the cricket field.
By Tom Stapylton-Smith
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