We all watch the Indian Premier League (IPL) with great interest on our televisions and then have the sudden desire to smack a few balls to the boundary in our backyard, but why not get involved with something similar in our own neighbourhood?
With no age restriction whatsoever and a few tweaked rules, some passionate cricketers – who last played the game at high school some 10 years ago – came together on Friday evening to form the All Welcome Premier League (AWPL) at Laerskool Helderkruin. The format is T20, each side fielding 11 players batting for 20 overs on a last-man-standing basis. Bowlers also are limited to a seven metre run-up and batsmen are required to retire once they have smashed 50 runs.
The masterminds behind the league are Lore Joubert and Corrie Bezuidenhout. They explain the AWPL as a league where anyone from any age is welcome to put together a team of their choice, get fit, build relationships with other residents in the community and enjoy the game of cricket.
According to Lore, “The AWPL is about a group of friends – loved ones – within the Roodepoort community coming together, building relationships and enjoying a game of cricket on a social and fun level.
“The most important aspect to remember is that anyone in the Roodepoort community can play. Matches are not taken too seriously, so the focus is on enjoying the game. At the same time you improve your fitness.”
The first match of the AWPL was played on Friday 9 May between the Old Boys XI and Gevaarlike Ganse. Although the teams were assembled just a week before, there was no lack of batting and bowling skills. It was just out in the field where things didn’t go that well.
Gevaarlike Ganse was first to bat and reached 191 for 6 in their 20 overs. Top batsman was Rinus Bothma who smacked 51 from 34 balls (5x4s and 3x6s). Rinus also stood out in the bowling department, taking one wicket for 13 runs.
With their impressive run rate of 9,55 per over Old Boys XI, who won the toss and elected to field first, cruised to an eight-wicket victory by reaching 193 for 2 in just 15,4 overs. Their run rate was 12,32 to the over.
Top batsman for the Old Boys XI was Lennard Besters who raised the eyebrows with his 52 from just 15 balls (3x4s and 6x6s). Top bowler for the winning team was Ruaan Naudé who took 3 for 23.
The average age of the Gevaarlike Ganse was 26, with the eldest player being 44 and the youngest 22. The average age of the Old Boys XI was 24 with the eldest being 29 and the youngest 24.
• Details: Anyone interested in making up a team and play can contact Lore or Corrie on 074 142 3269 and 071 886 6399. There is an entry fee of R600 per team. All the funds go towards playing fees (match balls and braai facilities). Matches take place on Fridays.
