Cape Cobras franchise, represented by SACS, fell 15 runs short of lifting the South Africa Schools T20 Challenge trophy.
The finals took place at Tuks Oval in Tshwane at the weekend where SACS were beaten in the final by the home side, Hoërskool Waterkloof who represented the Titans.
Waterkloof batted first and after a slowish start their middle order, led by Hardus Coetzer and Richardt Ackerman, ignited the innings and they eventually got to 186/6 in their 20 overs.
Coetzer ended up on 77 not out off 54 balls and he struck eight fours and a six. Ackerman made 28 off 12 balls.
It was always going to be a massive task for SACS, but they gave it full go and were up with the run-rate for most of the innings. They lost a flurry of wickets in the last few overs, however, and ended up 15 runs short.
When Daniel Smith (50) and Kai Curran (46) were at the wicket their chances looked good.
They put on 78 for the second wicket, before Smith was run out by a brilliant throw from the boundary and SACS were chasing the game from then on.
It was Ackerman who did the damage with the ball for Waterkloof.
He took 4/17 in his four overs and he was named the man of the match for that performance, along with his 28 not out.
Both teams went to the final with a clean record after four preliminary rounds.
On day one SACS defeated St Andrews and Graeme College by four wickets and 75 runs respectively, before beating Kearsney by four wickets and St Stithians by 15 runs on the second day and going on to lose to in the final against Waterkloof who finished the tournament undefeated.
SACS coach Etienne Grobbler said he was extremely proud of his boys effort throughout the tournament.
He was full of praise for the captaincy shown by Daniel Smith who together with Kai Curran were two of the star performers with the bat during the tournament.
Another huge performance from the side came from the bowler of the tournament, Oscar Welsh who led his side with 15 wickets. He was well supported by the likes of Anda Dilima, Matthew Klusner and Thomas Newby with the ball.
Kaden Solomns was also outstanding behind the stumps and his 32 off 15 in the final was close to winning his school the tournament.
“I am immensely proud of the whole squad and the coaches,” said Grobbler.
Their run in the tournament also moved SACS back to the top of the schools cricket rankings
