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Twenty20 Vets Cricket 2009
Read a report of the
2007
Vets Cricket Tournament
Vets Twenty20 a big hit
See photos
of this event
On Thursday 19 March, veteran’s cricket teams from all
corners of South Africa descended on East London for the annual
vets Twenty20 cricket festival. Some teams comprised ex
provincial players rubbing shoulders with guys who had never
played higher then the lower leagues.
All where accommodated at the Gonubie Hotel with matches
taking place over three days at Bohs, Old Boys, Police and Hams.
The eight sides where divided into two groups of four teams with
the two top sides in each group contesting the final at Bohs on
Sunday afternoon. Given the fact that many of the traveling
sides well were represented by a number of quality players, the
Coffin Dodgers and the Gypsies, both East London sides, did
really well to finish top of their respective groups.
The tournament got off to a flyer on Friday morning when
Keith Mclarens Diamond Diggers tied with their Bloem neighbours
to force a super over. Bloem batted first in the Super over and
only managed 6 runs thanks to some fine bowling from the ex
Griqua opening bowler, Paul Mclaren. Diggers passed the score
with one ball to spare.
The Coffin Dodgers topped group one followed by United Old
boys, also from EL in second spot with Puddings 11 from Randburg
finishing in third and the mature Vagabonds side from Joburg
finishing in last place.
In group two, The Gypsies finished top followed by the
Diggers of Kimberley, Bloem vets in third with Peninsula from
Cape Town propping up the table. The final was a wonderful
affair played in bright sunshine on Sunday afternoon before a
large crowd at the Bohs country club. The Gypsies batted first
scoring 182 for 9 off their twenty. The Coffin Dodgers looked to
be coasting until a mid innings collapse threatened to derail
their chase. Eventually Brendan Fourie saw the Dodgers through
with three balls to spare.
Pre tournament favorites, the Bloem vets and Puddings 11
failed to perform to their full potential with bat and ball but
both did exceptionally well in other areas. The Diamond Diggers
showed true Kimberley fighting grit and though many of their
members had not swung a bat in anger for some years managed to
roll back the years and pip United old boys for third spot.
Players had nothing but praise for the Gonubie hotel, the
condition of the four clubs at which the games were played, the
local umpires and scorers and the folk who looked after the
catering. “Praise God for His provision, even the weather was
perfect.” The traveling sides were well impressed by the state
of the grounds, the beauty of East London and the quality of
their accommodation and have all promised to return in 2010. I
am sure the word will spread and this event will grow from
strength to strength. It would be nice if we could secure some
sort of small corporate sponsor to attach their name and add a
little glitz to this event in future years. We are pretty
confident this event will attract 10 – 12 teams next year and
looks set to become well established as an annual event in East
London.
The Twenty20 format worked really well. The special rules
provide for everyone to get a bowl which encourages greater
participation as well as the fact that the side batting second
is allocated the full 20 overs regardless of when they overhaul
the first innings target.
Final placings were as follows:
- Coffin Dodgers – East London
- Gypsies – East London
- Diamond Diggers – Kmberley
- United Old Boys – East London
- Puddings – Randburg
- Bloem vets – Bloemfontein
- Vagabonds – Joburg
- Peninsula – Cape Town
Team of the tournament went to the Diggers for their
wonderful team spirit, unity, sportsmanship and corporate look.
I think they have set the standard for 2010 and certainly the
challenge is for the rest to follow suite.
We look forward to seeing you all back in East London around
the same time next year.
See photos
of this event
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