North Runcton make winning start as South Africans star

North Runcton made a winning start in the Norfolk Alliance Premier Division with two South Africans playing leading roles in the club’s opening day win at Garboldisham.The club welcomed new professional Odirile Modimokoane from South Africa, who arrived early on Saturday morning before travelling up to meet the team and play his first game.Modimokoane and fellow South African Kirwin Christoffels (now English qualified) both produced match-winning performances.Christoffels smashed a breathtaking 149 (135 balls,19 fours and a six) while Modimokoane picked up 4-19 off 8.2 overs, with a precision spell of on-the-spot spin bowling.Overall, a great team performance against a strong Garboldisham team.It was a good toss to win for the visitors, who never looked back despite the early loss of Skipper brothers Ben and Mark, both leg-before-wicket at 18-2.Christoffels was well supported by the Payne brothers, firstly Alec with 60 (81 balls, 9 fours and a six) in a partnership of 134 and then Jasper 75 (58 balls, 10 fours and a six) in a partnership of 120. The innings closed on 331-7. In reply, Garboldisham captain Tom Collishaw made a brisk 31 in 30 balls before being run out with a direct throw from Christoffels.West Indian professional Tarryk Gabriel lost his wicket for just two, caught-and-bowled by Modimokoane.Gavin Barnes was the last batsman out, fittingly bowled by Modimokoane for four and the hosts were all out for 175 in the 38th over. Wicketkeeper Jack Hazel took two catches behind the stumps.North Runcton’s bowlers shared the other wickets Ben Coote 1-31 off eight, Christoffels 1-36 off five, Jasper Payne 1-24 off five, Annakin 2-36 off seven, with Lucas Triffitt wicketless 0-21 off five.