Match report by Rob Frater:

The weather Gods played along for a change and allowed us to play the 71st edition of GD Fathers & Sons vs Bishop U13A fixture. Our team was a healthy balance of youth and experience, including 10-year-old James Boulton at ‘wickey’ and many-year-old former SA Schools player, Francois Immelman.

As tradition dictates Bishops were sent in to bat. GD seamers, JP and Ruan kept things really tidy and Bishops were hovering along at a paltry 3 runs/over. 1st change spinner, JP kept the pressure on, although he was struggling to control the spin on the little 2 piece. A couple of dropped catches and “it’s been a long winter” overs ended up costing us 20 odd runs. The slow outfield and spring pitch meant that 144 was going to be a good total to chase.

After a quick boerie roll lunch break, we sent the Paarl Boys primary U13A openers out to face the music. JP played early and popped the easiest of catches to mid on to see Groot Drak 3/1. Our Paul Roos import, Ruan, swung some lusty blows to put us ahead of the run rate. After attempting another, he was clean bowled by medium pacer McLea. His departure ignited a batting collapse.
Spin twins, Horton (4 for 10 off 7) and Collis (1/14 off 6) frustrated our lads with some really tight stuff, inducing silly “give my wicket away” shots.
By the time the senior Corps arrived we were woefully behind on the scoring rate.
Apart from a couple of quickfire boundaries from Francois, there was nothing to write home about.
Yours truly and Jean Pierre closed out the innings on 90/9, a 54 run loss.
It was however a thoroughly enjoyable day.
Thanks to Murray and his Bishops boys and to all the parents who spoilt us with a delicious spread.