Florida Cricket Club mindful of what matters away from the middle

Everyone loves a good duel between leather and willow on a sun-soaked wicket, but that never distracts from the bigger issues in life.

The Sunday elite-level club-cricket season came to a climax as Florida Cricket Club (FCC) took on Pirates Cricket Club in a season-ending Premier League B third place playoff, 11 April. The truncated season featured only a handful of matches compared to the usual home and away round robin, and fingers are crossed that the usual league structure can resume when cricket returns in the summer.

Cricket has always led the way in using the sport as a platform to highlight society’s more serious issues, and FCC got their pink caps out to add their contribution. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Pink Day One Day International at Wanderers and throughout the season, FCC have added as much pink to their match day attire as could be permitted by the laws, raising awareness about not just breast cancer, but all cancers.

Before the action on the field began, FCC handed over the proceeds of their season’s fundraising efforts to Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA). Club chairman Zaid Kimmie was joined by CANSA fundraiser, Isabel Gomes, and special guest, Central Gauteng Lions (CGL) Chief Executive, Jono Leaf-Wright, for the heartfelt presentation.

Zaid thanked his players and their family members who had worked hard to make the season a great success before handing over to Jono, who shared his personal connection to the fight against cancer. “You all have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact. Cancer does not only affect the patient but also those who the patient leaves behind. In South Africa we need leaders and I challenge you to think how you can make a meaningful impact in our country,” said Jono who lost his father to the disease.

“It is a great privilege to be the recipient of your donation and know it makes a difference no matter how big or small,” said Isabel, adding a rousing rally cry before the players went out to warm up. Unfortunately, her encouragement was not enough as following a calamitous runout that spoiled a solid opening partnership, FCC were bowled out for 132 which Pirates would chase down with five wickets to spare.

The final fourth-placed finish also came with personal achievements for two FCC players who were acknowledged at the CGL awards recently. Centurion at the Wanderers, Deen Kimmie, picked up Premier League B Batsman of the Year, with Damian Plotini being recognised as Premier League B Player of the Year. The pitch rollers now go back in the shed and wait for the spring to welcome a clean slate.