St Stithians College represents Gauteng Lions

The challenge is a T20 knockout competition which began last year and involves national schools.

Wim Jansen, St Stithians director of cricket, said he believed the key to success in the competition was to play as many T20 matches as possible. “They [the cricketers] have focused on this tournament and prepared for it over a period of three years,” he said. “This year we played 22 T20 matches, including friendlies against Hoërskool Menlopark, Wits University and the University of Johannesburg. We won the Johnny Waite Knockout last year, so the boys felt a lot of pressure to win it again this year.”

He said the biggest match for the team so far this year was the final against St John’s. “Once the boys had won that they were very positive and ready to take the franchise final again,” said Jansen.

With the win comes prize money of R66 000, and if the school wins the national finals this will increase to R110 000. “Last year we used our winnings to purchase a new bowling machine and to upgrade our nets,” said Jansen. “This year we will have to discuss how to use our winnings, but it will more than likely go toward the building of astroturf nets and changing the run up mats.”

Jansen said the fact that the tournament was a knockout made it exciting and competitive. He added, “The biggest benefit of this tournament is that it allows many schools, and at any level, to participate. It allows for national participation, no matter where the school may be located, which is a fantastic way to promote cricket at a school level.”