The Development Cricket Tour to South Africa, an immensely successful trip returned on Sunday. The party comprised of 16 players between the ages of 12 and 15.
With a hectic schedule planned and five games in five days, the first weekend in Cape Town was always going to be a busy one; Table Mountain, a boat trip to the UNESCO World Heritage site Robben Island, an impromptu trip to watch a game at the Newlands Test ground, where the boys were put through their paces on the outfield, and a Football match at the World Cup Football Stadium were all fitted into the first 36 hours in the country.
Day three saw our first game against the Langa Township side. Having had an incredible tour and lunch within the Township the boys equipped themselves well against a young opposition.
Despite the loss in their first game the boys travelled to one of the strongest Cricketing schools in South Africa, Paarl Boys, in good spirits. The challenge proved to be all that we expected; Ciaran Gray and Adam Talbott with two wickets apiece and some excellent fielding from Alasdair Lambie and Jack lane in particular meant that the strong opponents were kept to an achievable total. The Plymouth College batting innings were stifled somewhat when Elliot Hamilton was on the end of a poor decision from the umpire. Despite this some lower order support for skipper Talbott gained some respectability. The lessons learnt both on and off the field will hopefully be integrated into Plymouth College Cricket and its Cricketers for years to come.
The morning surf lesson at Muizenberg was next on the excursion list - the boys gave it a really good go with Archie Smith, Tom Gilmour and Alasdair Lambie leading the way......Mr Mutlow on the other hand mainly perfected his face plant. The next game was Westerford and one of the most scenic schoolboy Cricket grounds in the world. The boys bowled well having put the opposition into bat. Harris Habib with a wicket with his first ball in Africa was a real highlight with the fielding once again proving to be a real strength of the squad.
The run chase started tentatively; Ciaran Gray unfortunately getting an outstanding delivery first ball putting Plymouth College on the back foot early. Some patient batting along with some selective boundary hitting saw Plymouth College requiring one from the last ball. With the wicketkeeper standing up to the stumps the delivery alluded both batsmen and keeper for four byes and a victory for the touring side. Once again the game was played in exactly the right spirit and a memorable experience for all involved.
The zip wire excursion was next for the group with some wobbly knees as the group climbed to strap into the harness 110 metres from the ravine below. With spectacular views, exhilarating routes and a rickety suspension bridge over a very tempting plunge pool the trip was yet another highlight. A new fixture with Afrikaans school De Villiers Graaf followed as several of the boys and coaching staff required to be woken from their slumber on the coach prior to the game. The heat made the challenge greater as the boys set a competitive total of 130 from their 20 overs. Adam Talbott starring with the bat with 70 not out. For once the squad's fielding was not up to the high standards they have set themselves previously with several catches dropped meaning that the hosts were able to chase down the total with ease.
A leisurely morning at the beach and buying some last minute presents preceded the final game of the trip against Plumstead. The game represented a real opportunity for all players to get a bat and bowl. With Plymouth College chasing down 137 from their 20 overs and the rate climbing steadily, a flurry of wickets meant the total was just out of reach by 10 agonising runs. An excellent effort with energy levels very low at the end of a hectic week of touring. After a splendid meal and warm hosting, thoughts turned to the "holiday" part of the trip - the game reserve and the hope of seeing some of the Big 5 animals of Africa.
Aquilla Game Reserve provided a luxurious finish to the tour - elephants, lions, rhinos and hippos proved to be real highlights of the trip for all involved.
The boys' behaviour was exemplary throughout the trip and all were wonderful ambassadors for the school. A warm word of thanks to Miss Odie, Mr Byrne and Mr Mutlow along with the boys for all their efforts and achievements on what was a truly memorable trip.
.png&command_2=resize&height_2=85 "A Fantastic First Week Back!")
