It was in fact his opposite number, Charles Ceaser, who finished with figures of 4/39 who led his side past Goodwood.
The visitors won by 46 runs to consolidate their third spot in the standings, after winning 12 and losing six of their 19 matches. One of those matches was classified a “non result”.
Kraaifontein player coach, Fabian Faro says they are satisfied with their progress this season as they had not set themselves any goals.
But he says the third position they currently occupy is more than satisfactory for a side that is only in its second season in this league, having moved from Boland. He says the side is just looking to maintain their impressive form.
Goodwood, on the other hand, are sitting comfortably at number five, after winning 11 and losing eight of their 19 matches.
Coach Robert van Harte’s charges wanted to get back to winning ways, after going down by six wickets in their derby match against Ravensmead-based Tygerberg, a fortnight ago.
But, they were up against an equally-stubborn Kraaifontein side this time around, which seems to know how to make good use of different conditions.
They are, after all, not third on the standings for nothing… they know how to win matches.
In Saturday’s match, Kraaifontein was no different. They batted first and scored 216/8 in their 50 overs.
Durandt dismissed both Kraaifontein openers, Dean Mazhawidza and Fabien Faro, for seven and eight runs respectively. Things looked good for the homeside.
But, batting at number six and seven, Craig Thyssen and Craig Ephraim steadied the Kraaifontein ship and took the game to the home side’s bowlers. They were both rewarded with half-centuries for their efforts.
Thyssen was dismissed by Eric Osner for 67 runs off 105 balls. His partner in crime, Ephraim, on the other hand, was the real star of his side’s innings. In a typical one-day fashion, he recorded 60 not out off only 61 balls. For the homeside, Durandt was not the only player who stood out with the ball. He was well supported by Mervin de Kock, who took two wickets for 34 runs in 10 overs.
Goodwood then took to the crease for their own innings. They needed 217 runs to win in 50 overs and, with the batting line up they have, that total was reachable.
The side, however, didn’t have the start they wanted, with their top three batsmen struggling to cope with the visitors’ attack.
Openers Ezra Prinsloo and skipper Darrin Dorman recorded eight and 15 runs respectively before being dismissed by Charles Ceaser. Number three Jaco Grobbelaar was also dismissed by Ceaser, for three runs.
Player/coach Robin van Harte was Goodwood’s top-scorer. He recorded 53 runs off 81 balls before being bowled by Craig Ephraim.
Van Harte was, of course, not alone in an attempt to keep the home side in the game, batting-wise.
Batting at number nine, tailender Dean Morris showed little respect for the visitors’ bowlers, as he collected vital runs in the process. He produced a gutsy innings of 44 runs off 35 balls. In fact, he was the only batsman to score five sixes in that match.
And, as if that was not enough, he added two fours to that. That, however, was not enough as the Goodwood side was bowled out for 170 in 43.2 overs. The have now set their sights firmly on their next assignment, which is against Primrose on Saturday, March 16. That match promises to be an exciting one as there is not much that separates the two sides.
While Goodwood are sitting at number five, Primrose are hot on their heels at number six, having won 10 and lost eight of their 19 matches. One was a tie.
Meanwhile, third-placed Kraaifontien will take on Tygerberg, who are fourth on the standings, on the same day.