The 7th edition of the Ballito Cricket Shootout, this year held in memory of cricket stalwart Alex Whitehead, was a huge success.

Nine teams of 8 from across the North Coast descended on Umhlali Prep’s cricket fields on Sunday to compete for this year’s trophy.

Although the format was relaxed, with each team member bowling one over and batsmen retired after scoring 30, the cricket on show was of good quality.

“Some teams come every year, which is probably the only time they play cricket. Still, it’s always good fun and I am pleased we had another solid turnout. Thank you to Umhlali Prep as well, who generously opened their fields to us,” said event organiser, Kyle Crichton, who runs the KP Projects NPO.

After making it through group A, eventual winners The Untouchables put on a strong performance, beating team RE/MAX Dolphin Realtors in the final.

This year there was an added impetus for the competition, given the passing of one of its stalwarts, Alex Whitehead.

“Alex used to play every year for one of our most consistent teams, the Cross Batters. He passed away from cancer in 2020 and we decided to hold the event in his honour this year as it was the first one since his passing.”

Funds raised from the event will be split between the Whitehead family and the Malangeni Development Association which supports people with disabilities.

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