Britz and Hermann guide WSB Eastern Storm to draw in Benoni

Christopher Britz and Ronan Hermann produced an important unbeaten partnership as WSB Eastern Storm secured a hard-fought draw against Eastern Cape Iinyathi at World Sports Betting Willowmoore Park on Saturday.

WSB Eastern Storm posted 233 in their first innings as cool and windy conditions made for a challenging opening day in Benoni. Britz led the scoring with a patient 48 from 115 balls, while Jurie Snyman contributed 41. Kgaudisa Molefe was the pick of the Iinyathi attack, finishing with figures of 4/69.

Overcast conditions remained on Friday following overnight rain, with Iinyathi having to work for their first-innings advantage. Nathan Roux anchored the visitors' innings with 86 from 205 balls as Iinyathi reached 277, securing a 44-run first-innings lead. Adam Kruger led the WSB Eastern Storm bowling effort with an impressive 4/37 from 23 overs, while Tumelo Simelane claimed three wickets as Iinyathi were eventually dismissed after 114.5 overs.

Saturday brought sunshine but a different challenge for the hosts.WSB Eastern Storm slipped to 42/3 after 17 overs and remained two runs behind at that stage, with Jan Coetzer applying sustained pressure for Iinyathi. Britz, however, held firm. After the fourth wicket fell, Hermann joined him at the crease and the pair shut the door on any hopes the visitors had of forcing a result.

Britz finished unbeaten on 59 from 155 balls, while Hermann reached 51 not out from 105 deliveries. WSB Eastern Storm closed on 141/4 after 56 overs, 97 runs ahead, as the match ended in a draw. After two rounds, WSB Eastern Storm sit second in the CSA 3-Day Series Division 2 standings with 23.98 points, narrowly behind Eastern Cape Iinyathi on 24.82.

The fixture marked another home appearance under the WSB Eastern Storm name following World Sports Betting's partnership with Easterns Cricket, which also saw the historic Benoni ground renamed World Sports Betting Willowmoore Park.