(Johannesburg 7 December 2010) Scores of boys from 16 provinces could be taking the first steps
in their cricket careers when they take part in the Standard Bank Under13 Cricket Week in Potchefstroom
from December 12 to 16.
“For most of the boys taking part in the Under13 week,
this will be the biggest cricket event they have ever taken part in,
” said Tournament Director Brian King.
“Some of the provinces select Under-11 teams, and have matches against each other,
but for most of these boys, this will be something new.
“They will be playing against stiffer opposition than they have met before,
and it will also be the first time most of them have played cricket every day for five days.
“Many of them will never have been involved in any form of cricket other than the limited overs format,” he added.
“At the Under13 week, the first two days are spent playing “time cricket”
where they learn about when to declare an innings and how to play for a draw.
That is their first step towards first-class cricket.
“The third day will be devoted to Twenty20 matches, and the final two days to 50-over cricket.”
King said that merely by having been selected to play in the Under13 Week,
the boys had ensured that they would receive extra attention when they went to high school.
The U13 week started in 1963 with the first tournament being held in Zimbabwe.
Standard Bank has been a proud supporter of this tournament for the past 13 years.
“This week has long brought young cricketers together to develop their cricketing skills
in a competitive environment, whilst encouraging sportsmanship and the forging of new friendships,”
states Jonty Rhodes, Standard Bank Manager Group Sponsorships.
Ten of the current Protea squad have participated in the
Standard Bank Under13 Week in their junior cricketing careers.
“Many of them have already received scholarships and bursaries to established cricket schools.
For the others, the cricket coach at their high school will be aware
they have talent and will keep an eye on them, and most of those youngsters
will end up playing in their school’s first team,” he said.
“Most of the current national team, including the captain Graeme Smith,
made their way through the various cricket weeks, starting with the Under13 week.
It is a gateway to the future.”
“Some of these boys will go on to play for South Africa,
and others will play for their provinces or franchises.
But all of them will have proved that they are worthy of special attention.”
King said that although the boys at the Under13 week were young,
centuries and exceptional bowling performances happened quite often.
“At the end of each day, we present a certificate
– known as an Accolade – to batsmen who make more than 50,
bowlers who take four or more wickets and fielders who take three catches or more.
We also select a batsman and a bowler of the day each day,
and present them with a trophy they get to keep.”
AB de Villiers, currently the world’s fifth best batsman,
is one of the Proteas who made his way
through the various cricket weeks.
“They are very important to a player’s cricket development,” he said.
“It’s probably the first time you come under any real pressure,
and it is also a perfect base for you to show what you can do.”
De Villiers said that he had gone through the various cricket weeks with several fellow Proteas.
“JP (Duminy) and I played against each other from Under13, and Hashim (Amla) was also always there,” he said.
“Morne Morkel was also around. I think it helps us as a team that we have known each other for such a long time.
“My advice to the youngsters playing in the Standard Bank Under13 Week is make the most of your opportunity,
follow your dream, but also, remember that life is not just about cricket.”
The 16 teams that will be taking part in the tournament are:
Boland; North West; Western Province; Border; South Western Districts (SWD);
Northerns; Limpopo; Easterns; KZN-Inland; KZN; Griquas; Gauteng; Mpumalanga;
Free State; Eastern Province, and Zimbabwe.
South Africa pull off heist to win series
South Africa 165 for 7 (Duminy 38, Nicol 2-20) beat New Zealand 162 for 7 (Ryder 52, Botha 2-20) by three runs
South Africa performed the...
|
Levi to focus on T20 ahead of World Cup - SA selector
After Richard Levi's record-breaking century in the second Twenty20 against New Zealand in Hamilton many thought he had earned an automatic place in South Africa's...
|
Gayle diagnosed with grade two groin strain
Chris Gayle has arrived in South Africa carrying a grade two groin strain that could keep him out of action for the Dolphins for at...
|
Teams face pressure of a decider
Match facts
February 22, Auckland
Start time 1900 (0600 GMT)
Big Picture
A series that comes down to its final match is always one worth watching but that...
|
|
|