Rural cricket is alive and well

CANDICE BRADFIELD

CUYLERVILLE and Salem cricket clubs came top of their respective leagues for the 2011/2012 season and were awarded their trophies at the Grahamstown Cricket Board (GCB) dinner and prize giving at the Port Alfred Ski-boat Club last Friday.

GCB president Leon Coetzee thanked everyone who had helped throughout the season including the members of Cricket South Africa. He also showed his appreciation for the players, clubs and executive members for all their hard work.

"Rural cricket in South Africa is healthy, it is tough,” he said.

He said that the international players and coaches that have come from this area are an inspiration for all.

CONGRATULATIONS: Richard Muir (centre) accepted the trophy on behalf of first league winners Cuyllerville Cricket Club at the Grahamstown Cricket Board (GCB) prize giving last Friday. With him is GCB president Leon Coetzee (left) and guest speaker Adrian Birrell Picture: CANDICE BRADFIELD

Director of coaching development in the Eastern Cape for the Warriors, Adrian Birrell, was the guest speaker for the evening. He played rural cricket locally when he was younger and has been awarded Port Elizabeth Citizen of the Year for his work in development cricket, among other achievements.

After spending two years in the United States and 10 years in Ireland, he returned to South Africa in September last year.

"It was one of the greatest achievements of my life,” said Birrell who was happy to be back on home soil.

He said that country cricket was the traditional form of cricket.

"I'm glad cricket is so healthy and alive,” he said.

The winning teams were announced and players were recognised for their hard work at the prize giving. Cuylerville won the First League and Southwell were the runners-up, as well as tying for first place with Manley Flats in the Bathurst League. Tops in the Central Albany League were Makana Sona. Cuylerville won the 20/20 Cup.

In the Second League, Salem Cricket Club was the overall winner and also won the Central Albany League. Station Hill came first in the Bathurst League and Manley Flats won the Grahamstown League.

Out of the first league players, Andrew Marshalls had the highest batting aggregate with 290 and Wayne Wiblin had the best batting average of 79.66. Of the fast bowlers, Murray Hobson won the award for the most wickets, with Kevin Bennett top of the slow bowlers, both taking 16. Jono Davy had the best bowling average of eight and Kevin Bennett was the best all rounder, scoring 277 runs and taking 16 wickets. Siyabulela Nxuzula had the most dismissals with 19. The highest score was held by Steven Gornal who got 150 runs.

In the second league, Africa "Bongo” Draai had the highest batting aggregate and the best batting average, 308 and 44 respectively. Fast bowler Morne van Wyk took an amazing total of 25 wickets and slow bowler Louis Oosthuizen took 13. Cyril Tyson had the best bowling average of 5.14. Africa Draai proved to be the best all rounder with a total of 308 runs and 12 wickets. The wicketkeeper with the most dismissals was Grant Barrow with seven.

Zukisani Simanga was awarded for being the most promising all rounder with a total of 217 runs and 18 wickets.

Jono Davy and Brandon Hanley tied for Rural Player of the Year. Both Robbie Kohl and James Fox won the President's Award for Service.

The Grahamstown Cricket Umpires Association, which falls under GCB, was recognised by the Eastern Province Umpires Association as the affiliate that has done the most to encourage and improve umpiring.

Kendal Beadon recently excelled by scoring 100% for his Cricket South Africa umpiring exam.