Port Shepstone cricketers learn from Dolphins experience
It was an eye-opener for the local team.
You can only improve by playing against those better than you, so the saying goes.
That was evident when the RC Challengers U13 cricket team took part in the KZN U13 pre-interprovincial warm-up friendlies held at Kearsney College last Sunday.
It was a privilege for the academy boys, coached by André Ellapen, to be offered the opportunity to play against the Dolphins U13 Blue and Green teams respectively.
Unfortunately, the Challengers did not play anywhere near to their potential, and let themselves down with some loose bowling and reckless batting.
It was indeed a stern test, both in terms of adapting to playing against quality players, and also in handling the disappointment of not having things go your way.
However, all was not lost and there were some bright moments of good cricket, some coming as the traditional Kearsney mist arrived in the afternoon after a hot morning.
There were brilliant catches taken by Elijah Langton on the boundary, Benjamin Kunz in the gully, and Marcel van Etteryk in the covers.
The throwing was also decent, with a number of returns hitting the stumps even if not necessarily run out.
Some of the catching from the opposition, especially against the Blue team, was outrageously good, and can only serve to inspire the South Coasters.
Hopefully, they will have learnt from the experience and will use it for good as they progress in their cricketing futures.
The team that travelled to play comprised Benjamin Kunz, Elijah Langton, Jaydon Koekemoer, Sphephelo Mlambo, Marcel van Etteryk, Daniel Rush, Lutho Menziwa, Stiaan Fritz, Ndumiso Mwelase, Shaden Ellapen and Tristan Eva.
Scores:
Game 1
Dolphins U13 Blue 191-2. Elijah Langton 1-44 (4), Benjamin Kunz 1-20 (2), Sphephelo Mlambo 0-27 (4), Daniel Rush 0-16 (3), Lutho Menziwa 0-14 (2).
RC Challengers 82 all out. Elijah Langton 21, Daniel Rush (9), Stiaan Fritz 7*.
Game 2
RC Challengers 47 all out. Benjamin Kunz 20.
Dolphins U13 Green 48-4. Elijah Langton 3-27 (3.5).
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