The Springs Old Boys (SOB) U8 Impala junior team recently faced off against the U8 Brakpan Blazers at Birnel College in an exciting junior cricket game.

Despite the effort from the home side, the Blazers secured a 22-run victory in a match that showed the steady development of both teams.

The U8 Brakpan Blazers posted 72/3 while Springs Old Boys finished on 50/9. SOB coach Wesley Zietsman explained that development remains the main focus at this age level.

“We play the same rules as your T20 but we are a little more lenient so they can bowl a little bit wider to accommodate the players,” he said.

He added that different teams approach batting time differently.

“Some of the teams, like Brakpan Blazers, usually bat someone for three or five overs and then retire them. We normally get our players to bat until they reach 30 or 35 runs before retiring them.

“The skills we are focusing on in this age group is getting them to bowl straight. With the batsman, we are focusing on technical stuff like getting the foot to the ball, keeping your eye down and getting them to be a little more patient,” he said.

Zietsman praised the progress his team has made over the past year.

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“The boys are bowling very well. Players who struggled to hold the bat are now playing good cricket. In one year’s time, it’s a completely different team,” he said.

Blazers coach Wernher Schwahn shared similar sentiments when it comes to junior cricket.

“The goal is to introduce them to cricket while allowing them to have fun. We give them equal chances to either bowl or bat,” he said.

While the Blazers walked away with a 22-run victory, both teams left the field having gained valuable match experience and improved skills.