Queen’s College Faces Tough Day of Cricket Against Selborne

Queen’s College cricket teams were tested to the limit in a full day of 50-over fixtures against Selborne College.
From the senior 1st XI to the promising U14A squad, it was a day of challenging matchups that revealed areas for growth and improvement. While results did not go Queen’s way, the effort and commitment shown by players reflected the school’s proud sporting culture and determination to compete against top-tier opposition.

Match 1: Queen’s 1st XI vs Selborne

Format: 50-Over Match – Queen’s 1st XI were sent in to field first

Selborne produced a strong batting display to post 281 all out in 49 overs. Despite facing pressure early, Queen’s bowlers fought back admirably.

Queen’s Best Bowlers:

• Y Mquqwana: 4 for 65

• M Mbambo: 3 for 49

Chasing the total, Queen’s faced a disciplined Selborne attack and were bowled out for 151.

Queen’s Best Batsmen:

• C Waller: 39

• R Fitzhenry: 26

Result: Queen’s lost by 130 runs.

While the 1st XI could not secure a win, there were positive signs. Waller played with patience and precision, while Mquqwana’s four-wicket haul showcased his control and energy with the ball. The match will serve as valuable preparation for upcoming fixtures.

Match 2: Queen’s 2nd XI vs Selborne

Format: 50-Over Match – Queen’s 2nd XI were sent in to field first

Selborne compiled a total of 259 all out, built through solid partnerships and clever strike rotation.

Queen’s Best Bowlers:

• A Vena: 3 for 44

• Z Sobopha: 2 for 54

Queen’s reply showed flashes of resistance but the chase proved too steep, with the side dismissed for 127.

Queen’s Best Batsmen:

• R Barber: 22

• A Vena: 17

Result: Queen’s lost by 132 runs.

A Vena was the standout for the 2nd XI, contributing both with bat and ball, while Barber anchored the innings during difficult spells. The team showed promise in the field and will look to tighten their batting approach in future matches.

Match 3: Queen’s U15A vs Selborne

Format: 50-Over Match – Queen’s U15A elected to field first

Selborne’s U15 side delivered a commanding performance, reaching 363 for 5 in 50 overs.

Queen’s Best Bowlers:

• U Mquqwana: 1 for 58

• A Sidandala: 1 for 54

In their chase, Queen’s struggled against consistent bowling pressure and were bowled out for 98.

Queen’s Best Batsmen:

• M Mbaligontsi: 28

• U Mquqwana: 19

Result: Queen’s lost by 265 runs.

Though the U15s were outplayed, Mbaligontsi showed excellent composure at the crease, while Mquqwana impressed again as an emerging all-rounder. The experience will prove valuable for the young side’s ongoing development.

Match 4: Queen’s U14A vs Selborne

Format: 50-Over Match – Queen’s U14A were sent in to field first

Selborne’s youngest squad demonstrated remarkable batting depth, amassing 460 for 7 in 50 overs, one of the highest totals recorded this season.

Queen’s Best Bowlers:

• M Lemmer: 3 for 62

• K Adonis: 2 for 68

Queen’s innings showed flashes of promise before ending at 124 all out in 21 overs.

Queen’s Best Batsman:

• A Maselana: 49

Result: Queen’s lost by 336 runs.

Maselana’s confident stroke play and Lemmer’s persistence with the ball were bright spots in an otherwise difficult encounter. Despite the defeat, the U14A side gained essential exposure to the pace and intensity of competitive school cricket.

A Day of Learning and Reflection

Although results went against Queen’s College across all four matches, the coaching staff emphasized that the day provided crucial learning experiences. Competing against a strong Selborne system tests not only skill, but also mindset, teamwork, and endurance.

Komani’s Pride and Eastern Cape Spirit

Cricket at Queen’s remains central to Komani’s identity. Generations of players have worn the blazer, representing not only the school but also the town’s deep sporting culture.

The matches against Selborne reinforced the competitive standard that exists among Eastern Cape schools such as Queen’s College, Selborne, Dale College, and Grey High, where sport is seen as a reflection of discipline, heritage, and leadership.

While the day’s scorecards tell one story, the greater story is one of perseverance. These fixtures are stepping stones toward improvement, guided by a coaching system that prepares players to compete provincially and nationally through the Eastern Cape Academy of Sport.

Looking Ahead

Queen’s College will now regroup for their next round of fixtures, with focus areas including bowling consistency, fielding accuracy, and batting partnerships. The resilience and lessons drawn from these encounters will shape the teams’ progress for the rest of the season.

Support from the Komani community continues to play a key role — families, old boys, and local supporters remain the heartbeat of Queen’s sport, backing the teams through every challenge.