Press Release
24 November 2009
As part of an agreement between South Africa, England and Australia in 2004, all three countries would be given the opportunity to host a Triangular cricket series for people with an intellectual disability in there respective countries. The first ever series was held in South Africa in 2005 between South Africa, England and Australia, with Australia the first ever champions of this unique series. South Africa played in the finals on Boland Park, Paarl and was convincingly won by a good Australian team
In 2007, England was given the opportunity to host and we soon realized that both England and Australia had grown tremendously in there respective approaches towards the game. It was clear that South Africa would soon look at other avenues and a new approach towards development to secure more players getting involved with cricket. South-Africa soon came to the realization that younger players should be given the opportunity to compete on the highest level in order for us to secure a healthier future for the game.
Outstanding spells from players like David Jardine from Kwazulu-Natal and Lee Benting from Boland (Western Cape) secured a place for South Africa in the finals against Australia.
With Australia scoring 223 runs after 50 overs, it was always difficult to reach the target, but with 169 runs for 3 after 30 overs, the win was close. Unfortunately after loosing 4 quick wickets for 15 runs the target gradually became very difficult to reach. Unfortunately we lost with 12 runs against a good, but vulnerable Australian team
Against this background, Team South-Africa will leave our shores on the 29th November with great hopes and enthusiasm to win the 3rd and final leg of the Triangular Cricket series down under. Most of the previous players retain there positions in the team with two new comers making there début. Again, we will depend on the experience of players like David Jardine (Kwazulu-Natal), Lee Benting (Boland), Severo Amos (Western Province), Keegen Chetty and Keelan Doorsami (Kwazul-Natal). Not forgetting the valuable contributions from a player like Jonathan Faroa (Boland), this team can beat both Australia and England on any day. With a bit of luck, good news will accompany this team back home when we arrive on 13 December 2009.
Press Release prepared by Winston Stubbs (Team Manager)
Edited by: Albert Warnick (SASA II - PRO)
