FLIPPING BOOK CHRONICLE 2024

CRICKET

Master in charge: Mr Khalipha Cele COACHES

of the first team, this season has been a testament to the hard work, passion and commitment of both our players and coaches. The Michaelhouse Cricket Club continues to go from strength to strength, and we have seen considerable improvement in skill, teamwork and cricketing excellence throughout the school. The year started positively with the introduction of four U14 teams, an excellent initiative for the school, offering many young cricketers the opportunity to showcase their talent and develop their skills. The large number of players in the U14 age group is a wonderful sign for the future of cricket at Michaelhouse, as it shows that more and more youngsters are taking an interest in the game. These teams were guided by experienced coaches, who worked hard to create an environment conducive to learning and development. The U14 teams enjoyed a competitive season, and many of the players demonstrated exceptional potential that bodes well for the years to come. The focus for these teams was on individual skill development, team cohesion and understanding the game’s nuances. Watching the players mature and grow throughout the season was truly a highlight, and it has been exciting to witness the foundation for future success being laid. The Michaelhouse First XI played in the newly introduced KZN Inland 100-ball league. Using a fresh and innovative format, it saw teams competing in a fast-paced match, offering a unique challenge for the players. The team showed excellent form throughout the competition, demonstrating their adaptability. They were dominant in their group, beating every team they faced, including a formidable St Charles side away from home. The team’s standout performance came in the final, where they faced Hilton, one of the strongest sides in the province. Despite their best efforts, Michaelhouse were outclassed by Hilton on the day. It was a disappointing end to a fantastic run in the competition, but the players showed tremendous character and resilience throughout the tournament, a trait that would serve them well in future competitions. The U15A team enjoyed a highly successful tour to the independent schools’ festival, which was hosted by St Andrew’s College in the Eastern Cape. The festival provided an invaluable opportunity for our boys to compete against some of the best cricketing talent in South Africa. The tour was a resounding success, with the team showing not only excellent cricketing skills but also sportsmanship and team spirit. In particular, the tour allowed for the unearthing of some new batting talents. Players such as Wonga Mlonzi, Rex Wardlaw and Riley Muir demonstrated their exceptional potential, each showing a level of maturity beyond their years. Their performances on tour were a great source of pride for the

First XI: Mr Khalipha Cele, Lwandiswa Zuma Second XI: Mr Chris van der Berg, Mr David Pachonick Third XI: Mr Grant Ball, Mr Ian Crawford Fourth XI: Mr Linda Shezi Fifth XI: Mr Minenhle Ngubane U16A: Mr Brandon Venter, Mr Garth Quate U16B: Mr James Kiln U16C: Mr Sanele Zikhal U15A: Mr Evan Mickelburgh, Mr Jason Syce U15B: Mr Christopher Felix U15C: Mr Isaac Jarvis U14A: Mr Darryn Mortimer, Mr Jeremy Cahill U14B: Mr Brendan Gittins, Mr John Crawford U14C: Mr Benjamin Jarvis U14D: Ms Aimee Nel

AWARDS

Honours: Ross Moller, Radhesh Jhilmeet Half Colours: Ethan Muir, Harry Vickery, Jean-Luc Rey, Hayden Hewlett, Thandanani Zuma, Liam O’Dwyer

PROVINCIAL REPRESENTATION:

KZN Inland U19: Ross Moller, Radhesh Jhilmeet KZN Inland U16: Thandanani Zuma, Liam O’Dwyer

SPECIAL AWARDS

Henry Fotheringham Batsman of the Year: Ethan Muir Ravenor Nicholson Bowler of the Year: Ross Moller Craig Sugden Player’s Player of the Year: Ross Moller Dale Benkenstein Player of the Year: Ross Moller Natal Witness Shield (Night Cricket): Graydon Leslie s we reflect on the 2024 cricket season, it is with great pride and excitement that we look back on the successes achieved across all age groups. From the youngest players in our U14 teams to the seasoned experience A

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