Despite the challenges of an unusually wet winter in Worcester in the Western Cape this year, HTS Drostdy’s cricket team has been making steady progress under the leadership of captain Ruvan Barnard.
The Diamantveld T20 Cricket Festival will prove to be a challenge for all teams, and one of those schools will be Hoër Tegniese Skool Drostdy who will have to dig deep after being hampered in their preparations.
Yet, despite the challenges of an unusually wet winter in Worcester in the Western Cape this year, HTS Drostdy’s cricket team has been making steady progress under the leadership of captain Ruvan Barnard.
“The weather made it tough to get out on the field, but we maximised our time with extra net sessions over the last three weeks, managing to play five matches,” Barnard told the DFA.
The team has honed their focus on accurate bowling and keeping the scoreboard ticking. Reflecting on his role as captain, Barnard emphasised the importance of staying calm and drawing on the experience of his senior players. “Using my experience as captain, I stay composed in all situations and rely on input from the other senior players,” he explained.
Looking ahead, Barnard is eager to build on the team’s skills and gain valuable experience. “We aim to improve, be competitive, enjoy the game, and form new friendships along the way,” he said, noting the mental toughness required to adapt to varying conditions. “Adjusting quickly to different environments is crucial, and I’ll be seeking insights from local players to help us acclimatise.”
Barnard also expressed the team’s excitement about participating in the tournament, recognising it as a key opportunity to grow as players. “It’s a huge privilege to be part of this tournament. It will help us elevate our skills and hopefully make a name for ourselves,” he said.
“More tournaments like this are essential,” he added. “They not only encourage more students to take up the game but also provide a platform for talented players to advance to higher levels.”
With a focus on development and passion for the sport, Barnard and his team are determined to make the most of the tournament, both on and off the field.
Also, the HTS Drostdy cricket coach Armand Swart spoke to the DFA about the team’s readiness for the upcoming festival.
“Our preparation wasn’t ideal, particularly with exams taking up a lot of time, but we managed to get valuable match practice in, especially with our junior players, over the last few weeks,” Swart explained. “The main focus during training was mastering the fundamentals of the game.
“To be competitive in T20 matches, adaptability is key, so we placed a lot of emphasis on that. Bowlers had to adjust to specific situations regularly, while batsmen had to adapt to field placements and the type of bowler they faced.”
The coach made it clear that they had not come to Kimberley to simply make up[ the numbers. “The primary goal is to play an exciting brand of cricket and showcase why HTS Drostdy has improved over the past few years. I believe all teams will aim to adapt to the conditions as quickly as possible, so we’ll need to adjust rapidly by reading the situation during the first game.
“Being part of an event like this is an incredible privilege. I hope the players seize the opportunity and return with lasting memories. A big thanks must also go to the organisers for putting together such a prestigious tournament.”
Swart’s focus on adaptability and fundamentals reflects HTS Drostdy’s determination to make a strong showing at the tournament, with high hopes for both individual and team development.
