‘Quins cricket captain ready to lead team to the top of premier league

HARLEQUINS Cricket Club’s first-team captain, Devlin Max Dolan, is hoping to lead his team to the top as they get ready to participate in the KZN Cricket Union (KZNCU) T20 Knockout competition on September 23.

The 30-year-old opening bowler and all-rounder said it is the first time the club has been in the premier league since its inception in 1969. I feel privileged to lead the team in the premier league this season. My goal is for the team to be in the top six, which will help grow the club and attract more cricketers,” he said.

Dolan said his passion for sport started at a young age.

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“I remember as a child, all I wanted for my birthday or Christmas was a ball, any ball. In primary school, when I was six years old, I played for the U9 cricket team. The coach had told my parents that my talent should be supported.

“One of my fondest memories was coming home from school and I would tell my brother, Craig, to get his bat so I could bowl to him. A few broken windows followed this practice. However, my mum still supported me despite the windows being broken.

“When playing school matches, my mum, Cheryl, was always at the side of the field, either hooting from the car or pacing around the boundary, encouraging me and offering coaching advice. This happens to this day,” he said.

Dolan, an estate manager at a primary school, said some of the qualities a player should possess are dedication, passion, the will to play as a team and the will to win.

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He added that while there are challenges, such as balancing cricket, work and social life, as well as overcoming injuries, there are many benefits.

“The sport is great for maintaining fitness, and it teaches you how to strategise and to work within a team and to have team spirit. You also have the opportunity to meet new people, socialise and maintain a healthy balance between work and play,” he said.

He said he has had some great highlights over the years.

“I would say a highlight in my career was playing for Minor League Cricket. While playing for the 1st Weston Agricultural College team, I scored 136 runs and took 5 wickets, with my brother scoring 91 runs in the same match, a record which still stands today. Another highlight would be as the captain of the team and taking the side from 1st division to premier league last season,” he said.

Dolan said he was inspired by South African cricket coach and former cricketer, Jacques Kallis.

“I feel that he was a true ambassador for the game of cricket. My mum even covered my school books with his picture,” he said.

Dolan added his advice to aspiring cricketers was to hold their heads up high, dream big, dedicate themselves to the game and persevere regardless of the outcome.

“I always say believe in yourself and back yourself. Your inner motto should also be, ‘one for all and all for one’,” he said.

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