For the past 20 years, the North West Dragons has produced some top quality cricket talent that are currently plying their trade for various Franchises or has played for the NW Dragons in the past. It was thus an extremely difficult task to pick just 11 players in a balanced first class line-up.

In total there are 6 Proteas in this team with two extra Proteas on the bench.

Opening the batting will be the powerful duo of Janneman Malan and Rassie van der Dussen. Both made their name at the NW Dragons before moving on to higher honors with the Cape Cobras and Lions respectively. Now both are fully fledged Proteas and a real success story of NW Cricket.

At number three will be a long standing servant of NW Cricket, Brett Pelser, who will also captain the team. Pelser has an average of 45.84 at first class level as well as picking up 107 wickets along the way. Pelser represented NW for 8 years and was a constant performer.

At number four is the short in stature but big of heart, Jonty Rapulana, who now plays for the Lions. Rapulana has the experience on his side and although he made a slow start to first class cricket, he has enjoyed a number of outstanding years currently. His top score of 259* remains a highlight. His stubbornness at the crease and ability to bat for long hours is another bonus.

At number five is left-hander, Marques Ackerman, who with his stylish approach has received many plaudits since moving to the Dolphins. Ackerman honed his skills in Potch with the Dragons and his performances and talent could just not be ignored anymore. An average of 47 in 32 first class matches is a statistical fact of his efforts.

At number six is a long time servant of NW Cricket, Nicky van den Bergh, who will also wear the wicket keeping gloves. Van den Bergh made his NW debut back in 2010 and this local Potch-born batsman has gone from strength to strength since. He is now a regular for the Lions at first class level and is knocking on the Proteas door.

In the all-rounder positions are Proteas, Dwaine Pretorius and Chris Morris. Both are tremendous batsman and great bowlers capable of keeping batsmen on their toes. Both players also enjoyed great success with North West, especially Pretorius who has been part of the set-up for the past 9 years.

Spinner and all rounder, Bjorn Fortuin will together with long time Dragons stalwart, JD Diseko, provide spinning options. Diseko is one of North West’s home town heroes who has represented the Dragons since 2011.

He has already picked up 125 first class wickets at a handy average of 29.32. Diseko also seems to get wickets at crucial times and can be a match winner, especially on a final day pitch. Brady Barends completes the line up with his right arm medium fast accuracy. Barends, the current Dragons captain, has picked up an impressive 235 wickets at an average of 29 and a strike rate of 50. He will open the bowling with Chris Morris.

The fascinating aspect is that current, NW Dragons coach, Monty Jacobs, coached all these players during his tenure. It says a lot about the longevity of Jacobs as coach and mentor for a lot of players who have excelled at franchise and international level.