There is an awesome buzz around Northwood at the start of this cricket season, and with good reason.
Our pre-season training has started off well and our first T20 fixtures against Zimbabwe’s age group teams did not disappoint. Our u14 A team started the day off well for Northwood with a convincing 10 wicket victory. It was a fantastic team effort by the boys. The spoils were shared amongst the bowlers and the small run chase finished off well by our two opening batsmen.
The u15A team then took to the field. We started off a bit slow and tentative but upped the rate when captain Ethan Grace arrived at the crease. He batted well for his 34 runs off 31 balls and was well supported by Bradley Bumberry (20) and Thabiso Ndlela (15).
Our u15’s played well as a team with inspired captaincy by Ethan Grace.
Adam Chislett immediately put the touring team under pressure with his early 2 wickets.
David Ohlesson and Sam McCall then closed off the game as the u15 spin twins took 2 wickets each.
Our Knights were then in action, and were spoiled by the hosting venue, Northlands Primary School, who allowed us to play under lights. This is always a special occasion for boys and creates great excitement.
Captain Jeremy Martins won the toss and without doubt decided that we should take the bat.
In came the star of the show – Ali Hamid. Fresh off a marvellous 62 off 44 balls vs St Charles (current KZN T20 champions) Ali took the attack to the bowlers. It was a showpiece and master class to the young Northwood players who stayed to watch the First Team boys. With balls clearing the boundary with easy and precious placement, Ali stole the show with one of the best T20 batting performances we have witnessed at Northwood. 6 runs short of having his name engraved in our 100’s honours board, Ali went out still with the intent to keep blasting the bowlers. 94 runs off 44 balls.
I truly hope and believe that Ali will reach that 100 run make before his last day at Northwood School.
Kiaron Gopal (33) supported him well during his time at the crease.
Inspired bowling then followed by Travis Graham (3 for 10), James McIlwraith (3 for 21) and Thulani Chiliza (2 for 10) who finished off the game and ensured victory for the Knights.
Our first fixture will be against St Charles College next week Saturday in 50 over matches away. We will have our work cut out for us against the current KZN T20 champions but as always the Northwood boys can make us proud! 10 of our 20 teams will make the journey up the hill.
FACILITIES
In the true spirit of our Durban North community and parents of Northwood, our First Team cricket change-room and Cricket HQ will be completed by the start of the season. A massive thank you must go to everyone who has contributed their time, effort and funds towards this project.
It has also been decided that the time has arrived to upgrade our top field nets. This will be completed by early next week. This facility will now simulate true pitch conditions and our bowlers will have a consistent area to land when bowling, which will prevent injuries and lead to more consistency.
COACHES
A special thank you goes to Riaan Minnie who will move on from Northwood as he pursues his dream of becoming a professional cricket coach. He has helped to lay a strong foundation with our players and cricket culture.
We are also very pleased to announce that Brinsley Powell will serve as the first team assistant coach and manager. He has a fantastic way with the boys and has the ability to bring out the best in people.
Our coaching staff for this season:
Knights
Divan van Wyk
Brinsley Powell
Brown Caps (u17A)
Daniel Freitag
U15A
Jordan Grobellaar
Mike Wolstenholme
U15B
Daniel Smith
U14A
Eric Grimaldi
Cameron Ryan
U14B
Sandile Dube
We thank all our coaches that offer their time, energy and skill to our cricket boys.
A special thank you in advance to our long serving Master in Charge of Cricket, Brian Gow, who is always one step ahead with his planning.
All the best to all our cricket boys and to a fantastic 2019 / 2020 cricket season.
Divan van Wyk
Director of Cricket
