Roodepoort’s own blind cricketer, Tania Harris played her heart out on the cricket field at a T20 match On Thursday, 24 September.
The match which featured The Northern Titan Ladies (NTL) and the Northern Blind Ladies (NBL) took place in Pretoria at the Transwerke cricket ground.
NBL batted first and scored 113 runs. In response NTL managed to chase down their score and won with one run while they wore painted simulating visual impairment sunglasses.
The ball contains beads inside of it so that the players can hear in which direction the ball is travelling as it approaches them.
Tania Harris said it was a good game and the weather complimented it perfectly.
“I am really proud of my team because they played with such enthusiasm. They communicated with each other on the field constantly and cheered all the players even though some of us bowled a wide or misfield,” Tania said.
They received sponsors such as caps, hats, T-shirts, medals and food from Forbes Money, a commercial propertly estate and volunteers from the Northerns Ladies Cricket Invitation Team braai’d meat on the day.
“Blind cricket is a thinking game and one has to be able to concentrate hard since you cannot see the ball. However, I feel like I have done well during the match because I felt positive about myself…you know, that feeling you get after knowing you have earned your stripes,” Tania said boldly.
She added the awareness for blind cricket was raised as captain Andrie Steyn agreed that although it was a great day, after the third over they were all tired of concentrating for the ball because they are used to depending on their sight.
The teams were also provided with water and lunch and all players received medals for participation. NTL received the floating trophy for winning the game.
“Cricket is one of the most comfortable games to play with a visual impairment. This is definitely a game I would recommend all visually impaired citizens to participate in,” she said.
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