da betobet： The Eagles have retained the Standard Bank Cup after beating the Titansby two wickets in an exciting low-scoring final
Keith Lane13-Jan-2006
Scorecard
Gerald Dros was an early victim for Roger Telemachus © Keith Lane
The Eagles have retained the Standard Bank Cup after beating the Titansby two wickets in an exciting low-scoring final, played in front of a nearfull-house at Centurion Park.Having won the toss and put the Titans in to bat it was the seam attackof Johan van der Wath, Cliff Deacon and Roger Telemachus who laid thefoundation for what turned out to be a close win. Havinggot the best of the conditions the bowlers put the Titans under pressurefrom the first over. After two rain delays, and at 37 for 4, the writingwas almost on the wall for the Titans and it was left to the spin duo ofNicky Boje and Thami Tshabalala to wrap up the tail. A disappointingbatting display from the Titans saw them bowled out for 142 in 42.3overs with 54 from Pierre de Bruyn and 44 from Johan Myburgh helpingto make a slight contest out of the final.With a target of 143 to defend the discipline of the Titans bowlers letthem down as 19 wides and six no-balls were bowled with extras topscoring for the Eagles with 36. Albie Morkel and Ethy Mbhalati kept theTitans in the game with three wickets each but, with a 38-run partnershipbetween van der Wath, who had a fine match, and Ryan McLaren for the seventh wicket, the Eagles were almost home. However, two further wickets left then at 123 for 8 and the outcome was far from certain. With the excitement mounting a few lusty blows from Telemachus, and the composure of McLaren, guided the Eagles through with five overs to spare.