The race for the top spot in the Western Cape Cricket Association (WPCA) First Division A is nearing its end, with Rylands, Primrose, and Victoria competing for the league title and promotion.

Rylands Cricket Club beat Tygerberg Cricket Club by 127 runs to extend their lead to five points on Saturday, February 8.

Rylands are unbeaten in five consecutive matches in the league.

They have beaten Tygerberg, Gugulethu, United, Strandfontein and Victoria in their last five matches.

The last time Rylands lost was early in January against Northern Goodwood Cricket Club.

This past weekend, Rylands were sent to bat first by Tygerberg, in Athlone. Their batsmen posted 256/7 in 50 overs.

Rylands’ bowlers were also up for the task, limiting Tygerberg to 129 runs, all-out, in 40.3 overs.

They have now won 15 and lost three out of 18 matches.

The chase at the top, however, is not settled, with Primrose five points behind Rylands, and Victoria seven points behind the log leaders.

Primrose bull-dosed their way past Victoria this weekend after winning by eight wickets against United.

Primrose are also unbeaten in five straight matches. They have won 14 and lost four in 18 matches. The last time they lost was to Victoria, last month.

Victoria, however, have a game in hand, after winning 13 and losing four games in 17 matches.

On Saturday February 15, it will be an Athlone derby when Rylands host Avendale.

Primrose, on the other hand, have a tough task to tackle when they travel up to fourth-placed Pinelands.

The last time the two teams met, Primrose won by 146 runs. However, this time it could be more challenging, as Pinelands has won eight of their last 10 games.

Meanwhile, Vics will welcome a Tygerberg that will be looking to bounce back to winning ways, at Chukker Road, on Saturday.

Swing and a miss by Tygerberg’s opening batsman, Bjorn Hollenbach. Picture: Lonwabo Marele

Doctor Muneem Ebrahim opening the bowling attack for Rylands against Tygeberg on Saturday February 8. Picture: Lonwabo Marele