121 120 Under 15B Cricket The Under 15B cricket team navigated a challenging season marked by both promising starts and frustrating setbacks. Despite facing formidable opponents, the team demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination, showcasing their growth and potential. The team commenced the season with a surge of momentum, securing victories in five out of their first six matches during the first term. This early success set the stage for a promising season. However, the fourth term presented a different narrative, with the team facing six defeats in seven games. Despite the fluctuating results, the Under 15B team displayed a remarkable ability to adapt and improve. While inconsistencies in performance remained a challenge, the team demonstrated a strong collective spirit and a genuine commitment to self-improvement. The team's practice sessions focused on addressing specific areas for improvement. The focus was on enhancing bowling accuracy, reducing the frequency of wides, and developing batting tenacity, particularly in facing multiple overs without losing wickets. One of the season's most memorable moments was the team's narrow four-run victory against Maritzburg College in an away match. This victory exemplified the team's ability to rise to the occasion, demonstrating consistent bowling, aggressive batting, and a resolute fielding performance under pressure. I would like to express my admiration for the team's dedication and perseverance throughout the season. I acknowledge the challenges faced and commend the players for their unwavering commitment to playing good cricket. Regular players: Daniel Berlyn (Captain), Angus Fyvie, Michael Hean, Reuben Hemsley, Matt Jurgensen, Nicolas Kohler, Joshua Lobban, Lwazi Mbebe, Conor McKeown, Msimelelo Mgwili, Caleb Naicker, Keegan Peters, Bryce Seidler, Noah Stewart, Jack Stroh, Connor van Heerden, Christiaan Venter, Fynn Verbaan, Hugh Whittall Results: Played 13, Won 6, Lost 7 Mr Adrian Ryan Coach Under 15C Cricket The first term of 2023 held great promise and was marked by an undefeated record against formidable opponents. The depth of talent in the age group allowed the U15C team to consistently set high targets for our opposition to chase. This was most evident in an away T20 fixture against Glenwood High School in January, where, propelled by a century from captain Keegan Peters, the team set an impressive 182/3, which was easily defended. The bowling unit, likewise, performed well, exhibiting commendable consistency, both in terms of wicket-taking and economy rate, throughout the term. As the fourth term drew closer, there seemed a realistic chance for the team to sustain their unbeaten record throughout 2023. However, these hopes were swiftly dashed by a mass exodus of players across the age group, depleting the depth that had initially buoyed the team. Following a 10-wicket loss to Maritzburg College, with our team featuring a lineup partially composed of non-cricketers, it became apparent that assembling a full team of 11 players for the remainder of the season was unattainable. Many boys concluded the season playing for the U15B team, where they nonetheless enjoyed similar success to that of the first term. Despite the frustration and disappointment of a curtailed cricket year, credit must be given to the boys who persevered. The authentic camaraderie and enthusiasm they exhibited, both on the field and from the dugouts, were undoubtedly the highlights of the year and will undoubtedly be valuable assets as they transition to senior cricket next year. Regular players: Thomas Blomfield, Thomas Buchan, Joshua-Peter Clark, Angus Fyvie, Reuben Hemsley, Nathan Hotchkiss, Matt Jurgensen, Nicolas Kohler, Joshua Lobban, Msimelelo Mgwili, Caleb Naicker, Keegan Peters (captain), Shekhar Soni Results: Played 5, Won 4, Lost 1 Mr Jonathan Waldburger Coach The first half of the season is usually the most challenging, as the cohort of players are unfamiliar with each other. The focus is on getting the players aligned with each other, the coaches, and the expectations of the College. Whilst aiming to achieve this, cricket of a high standard also had to be developed and executed. The results from our 50-over matches were promising, with a mixture of narrow wins, narrow losses and the typical weather interruptions which sadly turned many probable-wins into drawn games. Unfortunately, the 100-ball format did not produce quality cricket and results, but rather tightly contested lowscoring games which ended mostly in favour of the opposition. The highlight of this format was playing against Glenwood High School in our play-off match on their 1st team's main oval, surrounded by the warcry of a full stand of Glenwood learners. Attaining a narrow victory in these conditions was something to savour. The second half of the season contains the Charl van Rooyen festival. This is an opportunity for travel and to compete against teams from outof-province. It was a tough festival, as expected, but the most valuable outcome was the togetherness and enhanced brotherhood among boys with diverse personalities. Unfortunately, rain and lightning snatched certain victories away from the team whilst our defeats were tough learning experiences. Season highlights comprise Mathew Gorrie accumulating thirty-seven wickets, and eleven half-centuries being scored by the batsmen, of which Cade Francis scored 5. Congratulations to Aaron Blackburn, Cade Francis, and Daniel Miskey on their selection to the KZN Coastal U15 team. In summary, a typical season played out this year, with our objectives of fostering a positive environment, embedding the cricketing culture of Kearsney College in the heart of the team, and ultimately playing cricket for the right reasons, all achieved. A special thank you to all the parents for their continued support and understanding that the results were not the be-all and end-all, but that the boys play the game with enjoyment and in the right spirit and develop themselves accordingly. Back row: Malakai Curren, Njabulo Sigasa Middle row: Luke Mendes de Oliveira, James Hughes, Matthew Van Zyl, Mpi Mthethwa, Connor Skewis, Cameron Elliott Front row: Cade Francis, Aaron Blackburn, Mr Divesh Sookdeo (Coach), Daniel Miskey, Mat Gorrie CRICKET U14A TEAM Under 14A Cricket
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