The last game of the year is always a special one for the Groot Drak team – not only because its a time to remember Alfie Cupido but also due to the competition being in the form of the ever talented WPCC side. This year was certainly no different with the visiting team sporting some fresh members that were all young and highly competent cricketers currently playing at various impressive levels. Led by the experience of their skipper Louis Koen – the stage was set for a great game. WPCC won the toss and elected to bat – a great move in the post rain heat that had presented itself on that fine Sunday.
Groot Drak welcomed back Mr Hughes (0/19 from 3) who chose to start running up the hill and quickly found his ever consistent rhythm. Craig McNaught (0/18 from 4) continued on his current form from the other side and the 2 openers cameoed beautifully with a few nearly finding the edges of the opening WPCC pair. C. Pratt (46 from 37 balls) looked dangerous from the word go and anything straying outside the line or too short was quickly dispatched.
Conrad Schultz (2/42 from 7) was first change and picked up an early breakthrough wicket in his second over before powering through his allotted 7 overs on the trot whilst getting another great wicket and being very economical in all but his final over. Alan Sherratt (3/17 from 7) bowled in tandem with Conrad and the two of them managed to strangle the middle order whilst Alan picked up 3 wickets to effectively get a bit deeper towards the visitors tail.
Seeing the effectiveness of spin, the skipper opted for the seasoned off spin twins of Jaco Swarts (4/17 off 6.2) and Angus Simmers (1/12 off 4) to further tighten the screws on the batting side. In amongst all of this the fielding side managed to hold onto every opportunity given which is unusual in friendly cricket. None of the other batsmen managed to get above 20 despite a few looking like they were about to get going and WPCC were all out for 123 with a few over left to bowl.
After a short break, lunch and a quick dip in the pool for some – Quintin VD Westhuizen (62 from 58 not out) and Jaco Swarts (14 from 15) strode out to take on the WPCC attack comprising a young and wily spinner in the form of JR (1/18 from 7) together with the Dutch international in the form of Mikkie. On Jakes dismissal – Rikus Walters (3 from 23) looked in promising form before being dismissed LBW and Conrad Schultz (28 from 23 not out) joined Quinny to hunt down the final few runs and make sure fines started early and all could make it home to watch the Blitz Bokke in the final.
All in all Groot Drak managed to clinch this one in a comprehensive 8 wicket victory which doesn’t really show how the game could have swung in WPCC favour at any stage.
Both teams gathered on the pitch post match in a time honored tradition to show gratitude to the oldest turf wicket in SA and to say a few fond words remembering our late skipper Alfie. A few cold orange juices were then consumed during fines and some humorous moments recalled as the two sides watched the afternoon light settle in over the Drakenstein Valley.
We would like to thank Louis and his team for the spirit in which the game was played and to all that were involved to make this a memorable fixture.
Man of the match: Alan Sherratt
