Delfos Cricket Club treat Capetonian visitors to week cricketing fun

Gentlemanly hospitality off the pitch but no mercy shown out in the middle.

Embracing the spirit of the game, Delfos Cricket Club welcomed a club from the fair Cape for a week of friendly cricket action. Blue Downs Cricket Club made the long bus journey from False Bay and took on Delfos in three matches spread out across four days, cramming a few treasured tourist activities in between.

After arriving a few days into the new year, the visitors’ first treat was a match under lights at the University of the Witwatersrand on January 5. Playing a Delfos combined seniors team, Delfos set Blue Downs a target of 212. Perhaps shrugging off some travel lag or the nippy Johannesburg air, Blue Downs fell short reaching 129 runs.

“It was an amazing experience as most of us have never played under floodlights before,” said Blue Downs head coach, Mario Hugo.

After some sightseeing on Thursday and Friday, a Saturday double header at Cecil Payne Stadium awaited. Playing Delfos’ second team, Blue Downs were set a target of 98 in a 14-over rain-shortened innings. In response, a solid batting performance was hampered by a slow run rate as Blue Downs fell 14 runs short on 83/5. “Maybe the guys are still a bit tired from yesterday,” laughed Mario, revealing they had spent the previous day at Gold Reef City.

Recharged by a hearty lunch, Blue Downs would again have to chase a total in their final match against the Delfos first team. In their best bowling performance of the tour, they bowled Delfos out for 136, giving hope for a grand send-off. Unfortunately, it would not be, as Delfos restricted the Capetonians to 103/8 in their 20 overs.

“It was not necessarily about competitiveness but getting the guys up to the Highveld. The wickets have been really good and the guys have learnt quite a lot,” said Mario, whose team was made of available first, second and third team players.

Those watching the Proteas’ second test against India at the Wanderers may have noticed the maroon-clad supporters in the suites. That would have been Blue Downs members who were treated to a day out by Delfos Chairman and Gauteng Cricket Board administrator, Faizel Sallie. “Reflecting on a positive week, Faizel remarked, “Thanks to the guys from Blue Downs for coming up; it was great to sample Western Cape cricket. They are a great bunch and we really enjoyed our time with them on and off the pitch.”