Easterns cricket playing well in matches

The 2018/2019 senior provincial season kicks off with its final fixtures this weekend.

Regardless of the outcome, it is said to be the most successful season for Easterns cricket since the start of franchise cricket in 2002, under the leadership of Richard Das Neves, and captained by Multiply Titans stalwart Grant Thomson.

The event was founded by Cassidy Meghan (9) from Nova Scotia in Canada.

The team believes it was also handed the worst fixtures in the group, playing four games in two days where all the other teams played four games in three days.

But they still pulled through.

Das Neves credits this to hard work, culture and belief in abilities.

“We only made one or two changes to the team from the year before, but the belief and investment into the side was a major factor in our success.

“The group of players went into a bubble to avoid outside distractions and focused on what is important.

“Easterns have, without a doubt, one of the most feared bowling line-ups in the country.

“The side has been a bit unlucky in the three-day game. We lost a close one against Gauteng which could have gone either way and they have had a few good chasing games away from home where we have run out of time.

“It could have been a lot better but the log at the end of the season reflects the cricket you have played, and we just haven’t been consistent enough in three-day cricket. However, finishing the season on a high, fourth or fifth place, would again be a great achievement considering the highest the team has finished in the last eight years is sixth,” says Neves.

Great performers have been Wesley Marshall, Grant Thomson, Ryan Cartwright, Kabelo Sekhukhune and Matthew Arnold. Credit must also be given to the coaching staff led by Neves, his assistant coach Tumelo Bodibe and fitness strainer, Zane Webster.

Catch the team in action this week:

March 28 – 30: Versus Eastern Province (East London) CSA three-day challenge.

March 31: Versus Eastern province (East London) CSA one-day cup.

Follow the team on Facebook – Easterns cricket.