The Oval - Newlands

Shropshire U 13s Vs JP Duminy Invitation XI - Match IV 20:20

The cable cars which transport their human cargo up and down Table Mountain are Swiss made and, like our Linda, supremely efficient. The business of corralling 34 half awake Brits into ‘the line’ and returning every one of them to the coach – was a feat accomplished with customary cool. In the meantime we were all treated to spectacular views and, for the lucky few, fleeting sightings of scuttling dassies. A scenic drive along Chapman’s Peak Drive took us to our next stop, Heathfield School. Here Andrew Russell introduced us to Roger de Vet, the undermaster who talked energetically of the school’s accomplishments, its challenges and aspirations. Our lads enjoyed having a brief opportunity to meet the boys and girls and at an informal presentation Kevin Bland spoke of the boys’ fundraising endeavours, wished the school well and handed over a cheque to Mr de Vet.

Thence on to the Vineyard Oval at Newlands, the most stunningly kept pitch bounded on two sides by new-built ranges of office buildings which, though pure pastiche – lend the place an olden-time grandeur. The pitch proved much to our boys liking. Henry Walker and Oscar Cooke opened. They looked entirely untroubled, their initially sedate progress crescendoing as they neared their respective 50s. An opening stand of 126 – surely a record for this team. Each was retired having reached his half century – Henry just won the race. In their stead came William Jenkins who creamed a characteristically combative 12 off 8. When the 20 overs were up a score of 142 had been realised.

The JP Duminy XIs batting lineup struggled against an ever improving Shropshire bowling attack. Jovan Uppal led the charge, his seemingly effortless glide towards the wicket producing a succession of ‘on the money’ deliveries. With two of these he troubled the stumps. With a third he got lucky when one down the leg side was spooned to a scuttling Wilf at mid-on. Other bowlers, not least Toby Egerton, joined the party, pegging back the JP Duminy side’s progress which never accelerated to a rate sufficient to cause concern. At the close of the 20th over their final total read 102 for 9.