News

The NCU Development Tour to South Africa ended over the Easter weekend, with those involved greeted by glorious sunshine as they returned home on Easter Monday, even if the temperature was a little lower!
Since our update last week the squads played eight more matches, winning six of them, including impressive double wins over St Augustine’s CC and Western Province Cricket Academy on consecutive days.

First up was a Twenty20 double header with St Augustine’s. Craig Irvine was the top performer for the Under 18 team at St Augustine’s, taking 2-5 in the first innings before top scoring with 32 in the successful run chase. John Glass was equally impressive for the Under 15 side, remarkably bowling three maidens in his four over spell to earn (1-2) to earn the best performer award. Both players were presented with a St Augustine’s cap as a prize.

Following the T20 wins, both sides faced the Western Province Cricket Academy in 40 over matches, once again with both sides coming out victorious.

In the Under 15’s John Glass was the top performer, scoring 69 with the bat, before Charlie Shannon picked up two wickets as the side successfully defended their 241 run total.

John Matchett and Paddy Beverland both scored half centuries despite the other batters in the side struggling on the way to 185 all out, but impressive bowling all round, including three wickets for Robin Sinton, saw Western Province bowled out for 172 in reply, securing a 13 run victory.

A third straight day of matches on the tour saw the sides unable to pull off another double victory, with the Under 18 side falling short against Groot Drackenstein CC in a 45 over match (reduced from 50 due to late start) despite another half century from Paddy Beverland and an excellent 3-26 from Jack Burton.

The Under 15 side did manage to get one more victory in their 40 over match against Coronation CC. Ben Rose scored 57 as the Knights reached 200 from their 40 overs, but the game was won with some superb bowling from James Hunter (3-14) and Charlie Shannon (2-18).

In a break between matches the sides to advantage of the day off to visit the Aquila Private Game Reserve where they went on a safari and spotted lions, buffalo, rhino, elephants and giraffe as they toured around the reserve.

In the final day of cricket the sides had mixed fortunes, with the Under 15 side struggling against a very strong District North team, eventually losing by nine wickets despite an excellent 75 from Jonathan Waite.

The Under 18 side however, put in a convincing performance to beat their District North counterparts by 44 runs, with Sam Gordon carrying his bat to score 98 not out and Thomas Magowan taking 4-43.

Once the cricket was over the sides had most of the day to relax and take in some last minute sights and experiences before the overnight flight back home. The group visited a Cheetah sanctuary to learn about the animals and how farmers are encouraged to use Anatolian Shepherd dogs instead of killing cheetahs.

The boys returned home ready for the new season (even if a little tired!) and thanks to all those involved with the tour, how grown as young men not just as cricketers. Everyone is looking forward to following the fortunes of the players throughout the coming season.

Pictures taken by Ian Johnston and appear with permission of the NCU.

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