Howzat for junior cricket

Skill and sportsmanship were on display at a junior cricket match at Port Shepstone Country Club last Saturday.

It took place between hosts RC Challengers (Robbie Coutts Cricket Academy) and a team from the Clinton Moodley Cricket Academy in Scottburgh.

The match was played as a ‘serious friendly’ with the idea that as many of the youngsters were given a chance to bat and/or bowl as possible.

“It was about development and creating an opportunity where they can learn to love the game,” said Clinton.
As a result, more than the regular 11 that make up a cricket team had a go, adding to the fun and festive vibe.

The players that needed it were helped and coached on some of the basics. There was also plenty of encouragement from the parents.

CMCA batted first and made 77, with Blake Vincent staying in for most of the innings. Saien Chetty, still only in Grade 3, took two wickets in his first over.

Others to take wickets included Oliver Smith, Bertu van Reenen and Damion Bezuidenhout.
In reply, the Challengers made 56 in the 20 overs. Openers Sphephelo Mlambo and Khulubuse Mlondo made 16 and nine respectively, in nine overs, before being retired to give others a chance.

Most did not take the opportunity too well, with cross bat shots not helping, never mind some excellent bowling.
Fast bowler Rorke Harris took two wickets, while Cohan Pillay, Neil Bezuidenhout and Caleb Turner all took one each. There were a few run outs as well.

CMCA squad – Valerie du Plooy, Blake Vincent, Chayton du Plessis, Bryden Mitchell, Caleb Turner, Fabian Francis, Rorke Harris, Neil Bezuidenhout, Sethu Mthembu, Anton Bezuidenhout, Cohan Pillay, Yajna Singh and Liam Jackson.

RC Challengers – Khulubuse Mlondo, Sphephelo Mlambo, Thuso Mavundla, Eli Langton, Oliver Smith, Daniel Rush, Orlando Lombard, Damion Bezuidenhout, Jacob Steynberg, Bertu van Reenen, Saien Chetty and Jesse Langton.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram