Local veterans’ cricket league kicks off
The league will feature eight teams which will compete over a period of eight weeks every Sunday at the CBC Boksburg Oval.
Following their success in the Over40s interprovincial tournament, the East Rand Veterans Cricket Association (ERVCA) has established a veterans’ league set to start on August 20.
The league will feature eight teams, which will compete over eight weeks every Sunday at the CBC Boksburg Oval.
The ERVCA chairperson, Brendan Stolle, said the league will provide a space for former players who still have an appetite for the game to compete in a “sport they hold dear”.
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“The presence of these veterans could serve as an inspiration for younger generations, including their own children who we hope to see next to the field. We wholeheartedly invite families to join us and provide their support,” Stolle said.
The ERVCA executives, Ivan Henn and Shane Savage, said the league will result in a surge of veterans’ cricket in the league.
“The level of enthusiasm displayed has been truly remarkable. This development not only promises to expand veterans’ cricket in the East Rand but also elevate the level of competitiveness to new heights.
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“The management team is already strategising for upcoming tournaments and holds a strong belief that they will establish a formidable presence that commands respect.”
The league was created after the Veterans Cricket Association of South Africa (VCSA) pleaded with the Ekurhuleni clubs that participated in the Lions Veterans League last season to form a veterans’ cricket association in the region.
The Benoni Northerns Cricket Club (BNCC)’s Alywyn Labuschagne played a pivotal role in the formation of the ERVCA when he spearheaded the deliberations with VCSA and various stakeholders.
Following this, the ERVCA was invited to take part in the over-40s interprovincial tournament at the Wanderers Club in May.
The East Rand Over40s would go on to bag a silver medal after losing to the Western Province by 54 runs in the final.
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They advanced to the final after topping their group with two wins out of three round-robin matches.
The club’s Kyle Smit and Pieter Booysen were named in the South Africa Invitational Over40s 20-men squad that will compete in Africa later this year.
Stolle expressed his immense pride in the team, board members, coaches and management. He also commended the VCSA for organising a successful tournament.
“The tournament elevated the reputation of the East Rand with distinction,” he said.
Stolle is inviting players over the age of interested in joining the ERVCA to get in contact with the association as they are preparing for the Over50s tournament in October.
