Sports news from St Charles College on their Michaelmas results.
1st XI Report (by Head Coach, Divan van Wyk)
It has been a thrilling start to Michaelmas Week for the St Charles College First XI on their home turf, with two exciting matches played on the opening days.
Day One vs Paul Roos Gimnasium
St Charles College hosted strong opposition from the Cape in Paul Roos. After losing the toss, the Blue and Gold were sent in to bat under challenging conditions. The top order showed promise but lost wickets at regular intervals before a crucial partnership steadied the innings.
Youngsters Caleb Sharp (56) and Ryan Clarke (78 off 73 balls) displayed composure and skill to build a formidable stand in the middle overs. Their partnership gave St Charles College the platform they needed. A valuable contribution from the two Connors – Connor Simpson and Connor Vogt, who added an important 40 runs for the 10th wicket – helped push the total to 249 all out in the 48th over.
In reply, Paul Roos started well, but the tenacity and fight of the St Charles College bowlers shone through. Connor Vogt delivered a superb spell, taking 3 wickets, while Keegan Vermaak bowled with great control, claiming 2 for 41. The Saints held their nerve to seal a 26-run victory, a memorable start to their Michaelmas campaign.
Day Two vs King Edward VII School (KES)
On Day Two, under more batting-friendly conditions, KES won the toss and elected to bat first. The visitors’ experienced top order batted patiently, weathering the early pressure before accelerating in the middle overs. Despite disciplined bowling and energy in the field from the young Blue and Gold side, a few dropped chances proved costly as KES posted a commanding 317.
Chasing a big target, St Charles College showed remarkable intent and belief. Openers Zama and Prinsloo set a positive tone, followed by another fluent innings from Ryan Clarke (30 off 30). The standout performance came from Connor Simpson, who played one of the finest innings seen on the Oval in recent years — a brilliant 87 off 80 balls, full of timing, power, and calmness under pressure.
The Blue and Gold fought bravely right until the end, finishing just short in what was a high-quality contest with nearly 600 runs scored in the match. The 44-run margin flattered the visitors, but the effort, spirit, and belief shown by the St Charles College team were outstanding.
