The EP Warriors claimed a hard-fought 11-run One-Day Cup victory over the North West Dragons at St George’s Park on Tuesday.
After being sent in to bat, the Warriors were anchored by a superb century from Matthew de Villiers, who struck 113 off 101 balls (15 fours, two sixes).
He shared a crucial partnership with Sinethemba Qeshile, who contributed a patient 44 from 80 deliveries, helping stabilise the innings through the middle overs.
Patrick Kruger continued his fine form in the middle order with a brisk 33 off 20 balls (two fours, three sixes), while Jean du Plessis added 36 as the Warriors posted 262-8.
The Dragons’ bowling effort was led by Alfred Mothoa, who returned impressive figures of 4-44 in his 10 overs to keep the scoring in check during the middle and latter stages of the innings.
Onke Nyaku, Migael Pretorius and Caleb Seleka also chipped in with wickets, while Ruan de Swardt and Wihan Lubbe kept things tight with disciplined spells.
In reply, the Dragons were bowled out for 251 in 49 overs.
Lubbe top-scored with 80 off 113 balls, while De Swardt added 47 off 50 to keep the chase alive. However, regular wickets stalled their momentum at key moments.
Gideon Peters delivered the decisive blow for the Warriors with an outstanding five-wicket haul, returning figures of 5-48 in his 10 overs.
Kerwin Mungroo provided valuable support with 2-53, while Thomas Kaber claimed 1-36 as the Warriors held their nerve in the closing stages to seal a narrow win.
