The semi-finals of the Women’s Provincial League were packed with drama as the tournament favorites, Northerns Women crashed out of the league with an eight wicket loss to Western Province on Saturday and KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) defeated Gauteng in a 99 run victory.

Winning the toss, Northerns elected to bat first but were caught all out for a trite 56 runs. None of the five national players made a mark, and Innocentia Khonyane was the only player who made more than 15 runs, scoring 17 not-out. The pick of Western Province’s bowlers was Leighshe Jacobs, who took four wickets for 11 runs off six overs.

In reply, Western Province sailed to their win in 19.4 overs with the loss of only two wickets, and Jacobs top-scoring with 20 not-out.

In the second tournament semi at Lenasia, KwaZulu-Natal Women continued their unbeaten streak for the 2009/2010 Women’s Provincial League, when they beat Gauteng by 10 runs.

It was a moment to savor for coach, Horatius Sokhanyile, who watched his ladies struggle in the previous season. “I’m swelling up with pride today when I look at my ladies: This win was not easy, but it showed just how strong they are, and how determined they are and can be in the face of adversity.”

Gauteng won the toss and elected to field. KZN were all out for a competitive score of 205 with captain and former national team player, Denisha Devnarain posting a top scoring 41 runs from 71.

In reply, Gauteng only managed 106 all out, with Kirsty Thomas high scoring at 38 runs. KZN’s success was due mostly to consistent performances from Cloe Tryonne and Rasika Maharaj, who took three wickets each.

The final of the Women’s Provincial League takes place on Saturday, 20 March where KZN will host Western Province in what is sure to be a cracker of a match. Western Province would like to be the team to beat KZN for the first time in the league this season, but KZN coach is determined to win this one.

“We understand that Western Province are a disciplined team and play very good cricket, but we won’t allow them to walk all over us,” Sokhanyile remarked.

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