On Saturday the 23rd of November, The Willburys travelled from far and wide to play against a Groot Drak side who were keen to level the scores after the drubbing they received 2 years ago.

The Willburys were sent in to bat after their skipper, James Carmichael introduced a new rule in to the fray: the first 22 overs of each innings had to see 11 different bowlers. To their own surprise, Gary Seaman and MC Uys were handed the new ball for the first 4 overs of the game.
Gary bowled well for his 0/9, while MC was in business with just his third delivery, trapping Matt McCormack in front for a duck and then catching Ed Lepine the very next ball, setting up a hat-trick chance that was not to be.

First change saw keeper-cum-swing-bowler-extraordinaire, Jono Boulton (2/9 from 2) nab two valuable wickets, including an impressive, full-stretch diving catch from MC Uys, while Sean Petzer chased leather, going for 21 in his 2 over spell.

Herman Fourie (1/19 from 6) was the pick of the bowlers and bowled a brilliant line and length in the middle overs, supported well by Moustache Maritz (0/19 from 2).

While a touch expensive, Colin Myburgh took 2 wickets, while Louwtjie Uys (0/17 from 2) helped out with his medium pace.

Claude Chantler decided to do away with his regular off-spin and bowled some seam-up for a change, which proved mighty effective, as he took 1/9 from 2.2 overs – his wicket being top-scorer, James Carmichael. Liam Carruthers (1/5 from 2) from the other end was far too accurate and had to be taken off after 2 overs, but had dangerous-looking Rob Pearce caught at gully with a brilliant reflex catch from Claude Chantler.

Craig McNaught had no choice but to bowl a few overs and surprised everyone, taking a wicket and going for just 14 from his first 4 overs and then returning to his usual self, by donating 12 runs off his last over.

The Willburys were bowled out in the last over of the innings for a very competitive 204 runs.

After a quick bite and a salute to the Groot Drak flag, the boys were ready for what promised to be a tough run chase.

MC Uys and Claude Chantler opened the batting and both batted with flair to put the home side well in the driving seat, with MC making 32 from 36 and Claude being run out just one run shy of his 50 from only 32 balls.

Loutjie Uys fought hard for his 3 runs, while Liam Carruthers was promoted to number 4 and had a real chance to score some proper runs for the club. From ball one, Liam looked settled and played some glorious shots all over the park, while Morne Maritz wasted no time and smashed a quick 30 from 22 before being given out LBW.

Jono Boulton was not out for 12 from 13, while Liam earned an incredibly well-deserved 51* from 48, his first half-century for the club, which earned him Man-of-the-Match, as Groot Drak romped to victory with 10 overs to spare.

A quick beer to honour the pitch and both teams settled in for some side-splitting fines, largely dominated by Mike ‘Fun’ Tonder.

After fines, all the players and some of their partners sat down to an awesome dinner prepared expertly by Lejean Pieterse and Sarah Boulton – cooked by braai-master Colin Myburgh.

A wonderful day of cricket and camaraderie came to an end after a few bottles of wine and plenty of laughs. We look forward to hosting the Willburys any and every time they find themselves in our part of the world.

Man-of-the-Match: Liam Carruthers
TFC: Sean Petzer
Pacman: Louwtjie Uys

Having called off the previous weekend’s fixture due to foul weather, Groot Drak were chuffed to see clear skies on the morning of Sunday 03 November. After watching the Springboks’ famous World Cup victory over England in the final the day before, both teams were in high spirits and looking forward to a great day on the field.

Gardens Old Boys were sent in to bat and did well to survive the initial few overs with Liam Carruthers and Joubert Kotze bowling extremely well. Joubert (14/0 from 6) bowled better than his figures suggest and he deserved a couple of wickets. Liam picked up both opening batsmen in his 6 overs and went for just 15 runs.

The birthday Bruce was brought on first change to introduce some spin in to the game. While a touch expensive, Bruce Taylor took four important wickets, including a sensational caught-and-bowled, going through his seven overs for 30 runs.

Kudu Kotze bowled some very tidy leg spin for a change, also hanging on to a great caught-and-bowled for 18 runs in his 6 over spell.

Rob Frater was introduced in to the attack for just half an over before taking the final two wickets to see the innings closed out for 77 runs.

A short lunch break while re-watching the highlights of the rugby and Groot Drak openers, MC Uys and Gary Seaman, started the run chase.

MC (8 from 11) was dismissed early, while Gary (30 from 19) batted with uncharacteristic urgency to put the home side securely in the driving seat.

Thiery Milot, in his final game for the club, played a great knock, posting his top score of 24 from 25 deliveries.

The sports Gods were smiling on the birthday boy, as Bruce and his new bat put on 12 unbeaten runs from 14 balls.

Robbie Frater struggled for form, having been out of the fray for some time, managing a hard-fought single from 9, while Conrad Harley set up a hat-trick chance for the opposition by earning a golden duck. Skipper, Craig McNaught (1 not out from 3), did his best to oblige the visitors by edging his first ball straight to slip, but the chance went begging!

A few balls later and Bruce punched a ball to the boundary securing a comfortable win for Groot Drak after just 14 overs.

A quick drink to honour the pitch and the youngsters set up for fines. Some rather average performances were noted, while the exceptional performances were celebrated and a rather lengthy fines meeting was finally brought to a close.

Man of the Match went to Bruce Taylor for his heroics with both bat and ball, while TFC went to Conrad Harley.

While not the closest game ever played at the club, both teams thoroughly enjoyed each others’ company and we look forward to seeing the Gardens Old Boys very soon!