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Cricket reunion hits spirit for a six

In true Vryheid sporting style, the players converged at Vryheid Cricket Club later in the evening, to celebrate their camaraderie around the braai fire and to live up to the old adage, 'work hard and play harder'.

June 5, 2019

Vryheid Herald 2 minutes read

PJ du Toit smashes the ball to the outfield for Wicket Wasps.

There is an old saying, “Memories are the threads that hold together the patchwork of friendship.”

Ewart Ellis looks on as Shane Pennington chips toward the pin at Vryheid Country Club.

What greater bond is there, than the one between teammates coming together to relive old memories on the sports field?

André Ellis watches as teammate and brother, Ewart Ellis plays his shot.

On Saturday, the Cash and Carry Cricketers (CCC) joined forces once again, after an eight year hiatus, to face Wicket Wasps in a sports reunion, which began on the golf course at Vryheid Country Club, under perfectly blue skies.
The reunion then made its way to the ‘Donkey Field’ on Emmett Street.

The Cash and Carry Cricketers side at the ‘Donkey Field’, just before the match against Wicket Wasps.

The teams teed off at approximately 7am, playing 18 holes in the IPS Betterball Matchplay competition at the golf club.

By the close of play, both sides were equal and the game ended a draw with two points apiece.

Juan Booyens puts bat to ball for the Wicket Wasps.

CCC and the Wasps next made their way to the Vryheid High School sports field on Emmett Street, known to most Vryheiders as the ‘Donkey Field’, where players kitted up for an afternoon of cricket in the popular T20 format.
Wasps were up to bat first and set a score of 183 for seven, in their 20-over innings.

Also read: Vryheid cricketer named CSA Rural Cricketer of the Year 2017 – Hard work the key to Duvan’s success

Top scorers for Wasps were Tiaan Naudé with 27 and PJ du Toit with 34 not out.

JP Becker running between the wickets for Wicket Wasps.

Bowlers who did the most damage to the Wasps’ batting line up were Nico Bekker (two wickets for 11 runs), A Nel (two for 25) and J Jansen (two for 25).

Rigardt Botha and André Ellis were pivotal in the organisation of the reunion.

The CCC side then had its turn at the crease, but was only able to put 168 runs on the board for the loss of six wickets, and thus Wasps emerged victorious.

The wives, significant others and children of some of the players: Inge Davel, Charlene Ellis, Chantelle Jordaan, Elsie Bekker and Christiaan and Mieke Davel.

The best figures for CCC came from Triz Nel with 35 runs and Duvan Grobbelaar with 38 not out.

Best figures for the Wasps’ bowling attack were two for 14 from PJ du Toit and two for 20 from Rudo Scholtz.

Despite the chilly conditions on Saturday night, the teams did not miss the opportunity to socialise around the braai fire at Vryheid Cricket Club.

In true Vryheid sporting style, the players converged at Vryheid Cricket Club later in the evening, to celebrate their camaraderie around the braai fire and to live up to the old adage, ‘work hard and play harder’.

“We would like to thank everyone who took part and made this event possible,” says André Ellis, who played a pivotal role in the organisation of the event. “We’d also like to make special mention of Vryheid High School, for allowing use to use their field.”