North West Dragons Secure Promotion to Pro Series 2025

North West Dragons Earn Promotion to Hollywoodbets Pro Series After Dominant Clean Sweep in CSA Division 2 Women’s National Week

In a week that showcased the rising quality of South African women’s domestic cricket, the Glencore North West Dragons emphatically booked their place in the Hollywoodbets Pro Series for the 2025/26 season. With five wins in five matches at the CSA Division 2 Women’s National Week in Bloemfontein, the Dragons delivered a campaign of consistency, confidence, and control culminating in an eight-wicket demolition of Northern Cape in their final fixture.

That last match summed up their week: tight, disciplined bowling followed by a composed chase. The Dragons bundled out Northern Cape for a paltry 51 in just 32 overs, thanks to standout spells from Ane Saunderson (3/17) and Alyssa Erxleben (3/18). Their chase was a mere formality as Deidrè van Rensberg and Rode Denysschen guided the side home with wickets and overs to spare.

Clean Sweep and Consistency Power North West Promotion

For the North West Dragons, the road to the top tier was paved by balance across departments and a strong mentality to finish the job. Winning all five matches of the tournament is a rare feat at any level, and doing so under pressure in a promotion-determining week makes it even more impressive. Their ability to dominate across conditions and against varied opposition sets a high bar for their upcoming stint in the Hollywoodbets Pro Series, where they will compete against the best teams in South Africa.

With promotion on the line, the Dragons delivered a clear message to the rest of the women’s domestic circuit: they are not just rising they’re arriving.

Easterns, Iinyathi, and EP Shine on Final Day

While the Dragons grabbed the headlines, several other teams closed their campaigns on a high. The Easterns Ladies posted a commanding win against Kei, defending a modest total of 161. Thelma Makhubela’s 30 helped set up the score, before Leeandre Bentley (4/10) and Tsholofelo Marema (3/6) ripped through the Kei lineup, bowling them out for just 29. It was a dominant all-round performance and a strong end to their week.

From East London, Eastern Cape Iinyathi posted a convincing 94-run win over Limpopo Lillies, a result built on Jamie Marais’s unbeaten 73. Her knock provided the backbone of Iinyathi’s 146/7, and the bowling unit followed up brilliantly. The trio of Siyolise Fawuli, Sinesipho Dondi, and Jenna Roberts, each with three wickets, tore through Limpopo’s batting to seal the win.

Mpumalanga vs Boland proved to be the closest match of the day, with Mpumalanga edging it by just 11 runs. After posting a solid 223/8 thanks in part to Ashley Barnard’s 44 they had to withstand a gritty chase from Boland. Maria van der Vyver, who impressed with both ball (2/33) and bat (92*), nearly pulled off a stunning chase. But in the end, Mpumalanga held their nerve in a thriller.

Eastern Province (EP) wrapped up their week with a smooth win over KZN Inland. Inland posted 138 all out, anchored by Megan Wessels’s 56, but they were outdone by EP’s bowling spearhead Aphilile Adonisi, who claimed a superb 5/28. In response, Zizipho Mdebuka’s unbeaten 71 sealed a comfortable chase and gave EP a boost going into the offseason.

Glencore North West Dragons' Promotion: A Boost for Women's Cricket

The significance of North West’s promotion to the Hollywoodbets Pro Series goes beyond trophies and accolades. It highlights the growth of depth in women’s cricket across South Africa. Players like Saunderson, Erxleben, and Van Rensberg now get the opportunity to test themselves against stronger opposition, sharper bowling attacks, and higher-pressure scenarios. For the North West region, this is a major boost in visibility and investment potential.

Crucially, it also affirms the work being done at the development level. A clean sweep in a national week doesn’t happen without proper coaching structures, fitness management, and mental preparation. The Dragons’ rise is a story of groundwork done right, and their elevation will only enhance the competitive landscape of South African women’s domestic cricket.

Statistical Highlights from the Final Day in Bloemfontein

Several performances stood out as the week wrapped up. Among them:

• Jamie Marais (Iinyathi): 73* - anchored innings in a low-scoring match

• Aphilile Adonisi (EP): 5/28 - standout bowling display of the final round

• Maria van der Vyver (Boland): 92* and 2/33 - arguably the individual performance of the day

• Leeandre Bentley (Easterns): 4/10 - devastating opening spell

• Zizipho Mdebuka (EP): 71* - match-winning chase masterclass

These numbers underline the rising standard across provincial sides and the increasing number of match-winners now emerging from different corners of the country.

What’s Next for the Promoted Side

The challenge for the North West Dragons now lies in adapting to the demands of the Hollywoodbets Pro Series. The level of competition is significantly higher, but with the confidence of a dominant season behind them, they carry momentum. Expect names like Ane Saunderson and Alyssa Erxleben to be ones to watch as the 2025/26 season kicks off.

The promotion also brings financial and structural incentives better resources, travel, training, and visibility for the players. For a side that has just made the leap, this is the perfect time to invest in the future and solidify their spot among South Africa’s elite.