Last delivery has spectators on their feet

GRAAFF-REINET CRICKET NEWS - Facing the last ball of the eight-a-side Indian Premier League-style Graaff-Reinet Cricket Business League, with four points to win the final, nearly 150 spectators rose to their feet, gripped by the tense moment.

The league, sponsored by Octofin, started on 1 October with the final played on Friday 8 November.

Wicked Bears won all their games, just to face the Tyremart Duelers and hopefully finish with a clean winning record, to walk home with the trophy.

Tyremart Duelers gave the Wicket Bears a run for their money. Batting first, the Tyremart Duelers posted 125 runs, challenging their opponents to better the score to lift the winning trophy. While the two teams battled it out, the spectators enjoyed a braai.

With the fires burning high and the smell of potjie and braai in the air, the spectators' attention were drawn to the last ball, faced by Johan van Wyk for the Wicked Bears.

They needed four runs from the ball for a win.

A well-struck shot sent the ball towards the line for the needed four, but was cut off by Tyremart Duelers.

Winning by one run, it was ultimately Tyremart Duelers who lifted the trophy.

Jason Marais in action.

Francois van Zyl, a referee in the final.

Bernardt Beukes (Wicket Bears), bowling to Jaco van Loggenberg (Tyremart Duelers). On the far end is non-striker batsman Johan van Eck. Photos: Christo Vermaak