FLIPPING BOOK CHRONICLE 2024

George’s College from Zimbabwe. These victories were significant not only because of the strength of the opposition but also because they confirmed the team’s ability to perform consistently at a high level. The festival was a key part of the team’s preparation for the upcoming season, setting them up to face some of the best cricketing talent in South Africa and abroad. They left Pretoria with renewed confidence. In another exciting addition to the calendar, Clifton College hosted a special tournament to mark its 100-year celebration. The tournament saw the top ten schools from KZN competing for supremacy. The competition was fierce, with teams of the highest quality, but the boys from Balgowan rose to the occasion, returning home with impressive wins against schools such as St John’s, Harare, and DHS. The level of competition in this tournament was a great opportunity for the players to test themselves against the best in the province. The team’s victories further demonstrated their capabilities and resilience, and they returned to Balgowan with their heads held high. The third quarter of the year brought with it the return of regular fixtures, and the First XI had a busy schedule, hosting matches against Queen’s College, St Benedict’s and Glenwood. These fixtures were a crucial part of the team’s preparation for the upcoming Michaelmas Cricket Week and beyond. The fixtures were a great opportunity to fine-tune combinations and ensure that the players were match-ready. The U14, U15 and First XI all participated in these fixtures, and Michaelhouse finished the weekend unbeaten across all age groups. This success was a great way to start the season, particularly with the festivals just around the corner. The Michaelmas Cricket Week, hosted by Maritzburg College, was a key event in the 2024 calendar, and the First XI had the advantage of playing all their fixtures at home. This allowed the players to avoid long travel times and focus solely on their cricket. The team performed admirably, winning two out of three matches. The defeat was a tough loss to St Alban’s, but the victories over Pretoria Boys High and St David’s were significant, reaffirming the team’s quality and depth. The week provided valuable exposure to different playing conditions, and the team’s performance was a reflection of the hard work that had gone into their preparation throughout the season. Home advantage was undoubtedly helpful, but the team’s ability to perform under pressure was what really stood out during this period. In an exciting development this year, Cricket South Africa introduced the SA20 tournament, a competition aimed at giving young cricketers the opportunity to showcase their talent. This tournament was played by an U17 team and was notable for the fact that it did not feature A Blockers, thus providing a platform for younger players to step up. Michaelhouse’s team performed excellently, making it to the semi-finals, where they faced Hilton. Unfortunately, the team’s journey ended in a narrow defeat to Hilton, but the performance of the D Blockers in the team was a major highlight. Despite the absence of key B Blockers due to exams, the D Blockers showed their potential and nearly

pulled off a thrilling victory, losing only in the final three balls of the game. This narrow defeat was a testament to the strength and depth of the cricket programme at Michaelhouse, and the players’ ability to perform despite challenges. The final quarter of the year brought one of the most memorable victories of the season: the win against Northwood, who boasted a number of South African U19 representatives. Michaelhouse’s performance was dominant, with the team bowling Northwood out for just 47. Thandanani Zuma was exceptional with the ball, taking four quick wickets, and Graydon Leslie’s brilliant 88 provided the perfect platform for the team to secure the win. This victory was a massive confidence booster for the team, and it showcased their strength, determination and ability to dominate against strong opposition. It was a fitting culmination to an exceptional season and served as a reminder of the quality of cricket being played at Michaelhouse. Ethan Muir. Scored more than 1 000 runs during the season, a remarkable achievement that highlights his consistency and skill at the crease. Jean-Luc Rey. A brilliant 5/5 against Queen's College was one of the standout bowling performances of the year, showcasing his ability to take control of a game with the ball. Ross Moller. Took more than 50 wickets during the season, so was vital to the team’s success, providing consistent and economical bowling throughout the year. Victory Against Hilton College . Another memorable occasion, and a significant victory to end the third quarter. The Bowling Unit. A major strength throughout the year, with the unit working together to restrict opposition teams consistently. The collective efforts of the bowlers were a major factor in the team’s success. The 2024 First XI can be incredibly proud of their achievements. With a 71% win rate, they have proven themselves to be one of the top teams in the region, matching and exceeding expectations set at the start of the year. The team’s success is the result of the hard work, dedication and spirit of the players and coaches. Under the leadership of Cameron Strudwick, the team displayed maturity, resilience and a commitment to excellence, setting a strong example for younger cricketers at Michaelhouse. The boys showed that they were more than capable of filling the shoes of the 2023 team, and contributed significantly to the continued growth of cricket at the school. Congratulations to all the players, coaches and supporters for making 2024 a season to remember. SEASON HIGHLIGHTS

FIRST XI RESULTS 2024

PLAYED

WON

LOST

DRAW

38

27

11

0

144