Young cricketers turn out at test venue (From Penarth Times)

Young cricketers turn out at test venue

AFTER 14 months of planning, fundraising and lots of fitness training, the Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan U14 cricket team arrived in Cape Town for a two-week tour of five matches, three net sessions, a clinic with ex South African test player Peter Kirsten, and visits to some of South Africa's attractions.

The first game against Wynberg Boys High School was in a stunning setting with Table Mountain in the background.

Wynberg batted first and scored 221 for 4 off 50 overs.

It was an extremely hot day - a shock to the system for the boys fresh from the British winter. Nonetheless after a delicious tea CC&TV-OG took up the challenge with only Captain, Freddie John (68) really mastering the Wynberg attack.

CC&TVOG were all out for 149, losing by 72 runs.

Next match was against SACS (South African College Schools), a 30-over game played at the Gary Kirsten Oval in Rondebosch in difficult conditions, particularly when a black south-wester lowered the temperature to remind us of a May afternoon in the Vale!

Freddie John (60) and Nick Davies (19) were top scorers in the 130 for 6 inning. SACS won by eight wickets, scoring 133 for 2 off 26 overs.

The third fixture was in Franschhoek against Bridgehouse College U15s - yet another beautiful ground dominated by mountains. CC&TVOG batted first and scored 241 for 6, the highlight being a superb 92no from Freddie John, supported by Jack Harris (40) Tom Cleeve (46) and Christopher Lawlor (29).

Bridgehouse were bowled out for 137 - Ewan Thomas did the damage taking 5 for 13. Other contributions came from Stewart Melrose (2 for 19), Jack Harris (2 for 11) and Dewi Preece (1 for 6). The first victory in the Southern Hemisphere!

Langa Township was the venue for the next match with the Township side of boys from 11 - 17.

Langa batted first and scored 155 off 50 overs. Among the wicket takers were Jack Harris (3 for 22), Andrew Leering (2 for 25) and Fezan Khan (1 for 16).

CC&TVOG won the match by three wickets scoring 156 for 7 in 34 overs. Tom Cleeve (30), Andrew Leering (25no) and Priyantha Kulitalake (17) top-scored.

Cricket kit and a Lords Taverners cricket set were presented after the game.

The final match was at Newlands against a Western Province Invitation XI.

Province batted first and scored 211 in their 50 overs. Stewart Melrose (3 for 17), Nick Davies (2 for 20) Ewan Thomas (2 for 25) and James Cutlan (1 for 39) were the pick of the bowlers.

After losing early wickets, Christopher Lawlor (48) and Michael Lloyd (39) steadied the innings to get a chance of winning the game.

Andrew Leering (20no) & Stewart Melrose (17no) hung on bravely and fought up to 204 for 8 -an agonising eight runs short!

It was an excellent game of cricket and an unforgettable experience for the players and supporters alike -how many 14-year-old cricketers can say that they played at a test ground and sat in the changing rooms where so many famous cricketers have been over the years?

A week later, Australia and South Africa played a One Day International on the same ground!

The tour was a huge success with all the squad contributing in the matches at some point and developing their game. Enormous thanks go to Admiral Insurance, National Power at Aberthaw, Primary Times, Cowbridge Felt Roofing and Lycett Conveyancing for sponsoring the tour and to the many other companies who advertised in the tour brochure.

Also thank you to John Davies and Rhodri Lloyd, the coaches who looked after the boys during the fortnight.