POLOKWANE – The exciting Limpopo Impala Cricket Schools T20 u/11 night league came to an end on June 26 after six local schools played 15 games, which were played every Wednesday and Friday from May 23.
“The children played with a lot of passion and heart through the chilly winter,” said the tournament director, Sedibu Mohlaba of Limpopo Impala Cricket (LIC).
Six teams from Polokwane and surrounding areas competed in the u/11 tournament, including two teams from Laerskool Pietersburg and one team each from Oosskool, Northern Academy, Curro Heuwelkruin and Kings Cricket School.
The 20-over tournament was played on a round robin basis with two matches played every Wednesday and Friday starting at 15:00 and lasting until 20:30.
“The whole idea was to get the children playing more games in order to improve and for them to experience playing under lights and not forgetting bringing the family vibe of cricket back in Polokwane,” Mohlaba explained.
“There are no winners in this competition. The only winners were the children who took part in the competition. They are all champions, together with SM Pintu our sponsors and also the parents who came out to support their children.”
Mohlaba said there were good batting displays, great bowling spells, hat-tricks been taken, as well as stumpings.
The toughest game of the tournament was between the teams of Oosskool and Kings Cricket School.
Oosskool won the match by one run in the last over.
Northern Academy grew with confidence as the tournament progressed, putting on a brave batting display against Oosskool.
Laerskool Pietersburg had a good tournament throughout and so did Curro Heuwelkruin, who fielded mostly u/9 and u/10 players.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the LIC staff for putting in the extra-time after normal working hours to make the u/11 night league what it was, not forgetting the ground staff from the Polokwane Cricket Club who did a sterling job,” Mohlaba said.
“A lot can be done to improve the tournament going forward, but I can say from my side it was a great tournament.
“Hopefully we can get more cooperate companies to partner with us next year,” Mohlaba concluded.