Rebels battle it out for a good cause
HYDE PARK — The Warriors took home the title of Smash and Bash champions after defeating the Six and Sticks in the final.
It was an all-around victory for Sandton ‘Rebels’ Cricket Club.
The club hosted its inaugural Smash and Bash Sixes Tournament on 15 May in an effort to raise funds for the club’s junior development programme.
Eight teams split into two groups before taking to the pitch to battle it out for a good cause. Group A consisted of the Aces, Mavericks, Young Ones and Renegades cricket teams while group B was made up of the Six or Sticks, Baby Sharks, Spartan and Warriors.
The Aces and Mavericks topped group A to qualify for the semi-finals, ending first and second respectively in their group. The Six or Sticks came in first for group B while the Warriors placed second.
The Warriors went on to defeat the Aces in a very close match in the first semi-final while the Six or Sticks defeated the Mavericks in the second semi-final.
“The second semi-final proved to be more one-sided as Six or Sticks won the toss and batted first. The Mavericks could not get close as they had scoreboard pressure always against them and ended on 79 runs in five overs,” said the club’s Jeremy Meiring.
He added that the Six or Sticks were the hot favourites to be the first Smash and Bash Sixes Tournament champions but the Warriors had other ideas.
“Six or sticks won the toss and decided to bat first [but] their big hitters could not get out of third gear and battled to produce their earlier form. The Warriors bowlers stuck to their guns and restricted Six or Sticks.”
Outstanding player Brandon Verwey was the only Six or Sticks batter who could withstand the Warriors bowlers, hitting the ball all over the park before he got out.
“Warriors’ openers Bruce Japhta and Gerry Coetzer looked a million dollars and took the game to the Six or Sticks bowlers. They played out of their skin and took their side home in the fourth over to win by four wickets, becoming the Smash and Bash champions,” said Meiring.
The day was an overall success not only in terms of the quality of cricket on the pitch but also with the support of support received for the junior development programme. The tournament brought in a helpful R8 000 to assist the boys from previously disadvantaged areas such as Rabie Ridge, Ivory Park, Ebony Park and Kanana.
“We as a club would like to thank Razia Kajee from Delhi Delicious East Point Shopping Centre for the players’ lunch packs, Sean Naidoo from Puntans Hill Sports Club for the entertainment and our photographer Arun Panatil. We would also like to thank all who participated.”
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