“Potch never disappoints” – crowd creates Protea fortress at the J.B. Marks Oval
The J.B. Marks Oval does not get international matches annually, but judging by the support, outstanding pitch and outfield, excellent facilities and ease of access, it should be a fixture for Proteas matches.
On a glorious sunshine day, cricket fans came out to the J.B. Marks Oval for the South Africa and West Indies One Day International, hoping for a cricket spectacle.
Fans arrived from 08:00 with their cooler boxes, blankets, umbrellas, posters and supporter’s shirts in
support of their beloved Proteas on Human Rights Day (Tuesday, 21
March) – and boy, did they get their money’s worth.
They were treated for their support with a dominant Proteas win by 4
wickets, including a sensational match-winning hundred from Heinrich Klaasen.
They also saw the former Potch Gimmies Old Boy, Marco Jansen, taking 2/46 with the ball and a career-best 43 with the bat. Throw in numerous huge sixes and cracking
fours, and you have the perfect One Day International spectacle. This match once again illustrated why cricket matters to Potchefstroomers and the cricket-loving public of North West.
Young and old, families, friends and students filled the ground and
created a vibing atmosphere. A brass band contributed to the festivities.
The J.B. Marks Oval does not get international matches annually, but judging by the support, outstanding
pitch and outfield, excellent facilities and ease of access, it should be a fixture for Proteas matches.
Heinrich Klaasen, the player of the match, also said the Proteas love to come to Potchefstroom and enjoy
playing in front of this partisan crowd.
“Potch never disappoints. It is always a good wicket, and the crowd
is always fantastic. We encourage the fans to keep coming to support us,” added Klaasen.
North West Cricket acting CEO Ismail Minty thanked the fans for their support during this match.
He was also proud of his staff for a superbly run event.
“It was great to see a full crowd here enjoying and supporting the cricket.
The weather was perfect for cricket, and because the Proteas won, it added to the positive vibe today.
The feedback we received about the outfield and the pitch was also very positive. Most of the time the Proteas play here, hundreds are scored, which provides a lot of entertainment and high-scoring matches.”
