The spotlight will shine on this cricketing extravaganza next weekend as Hoërskool Diamantveld partners with NC Cricket to host eight schools from across the nation at Kimberley’s Diamond Oval.
AMIDST the relentless rhythm of balls crashing into stumps, wickets tumbling, and the graceful arc of every swing, Hoërskool Diamantveld (DHS) is blazing a trail toward cricketing greatness.
The Kimberely high school’s fervour is palpable as they prepare to etch their names in history at the inaugural T20 school cricket tournament, poised to unfold on the hallowed grounds of an international cricket stadium.
The spotlight will shine on this cricketing extravaganza from Friday, September 22, to Monday, September 25, as Hoërskool Diamantveld partners with Northern Cape Cricket to host eight schools from across the nation at Kimberley’s international cricket stadium, the Kimberley Diamond Oval.
In a series of battles aimed at securing their dominance as the best school cricket team in the country, these nine prestigious institutions are ready to lock horns.
The impressive line-up includes cricket powerhouses such as Grey College and St Andrew’s from Bloemfontein, Paarl Boys’ High, Potchefstroom Volkskool, Kuruman’s Hoërskool Kalahari, Carlton van Heerden from Upington, a Noord-Kaap HUB Team, and Kimberley’s very own Hoërskool Noord-Kaap.
Of course, the hosting school, Hoërskool Diamantveld, is poised to defend their turf with unmatched determination.
The Kimberley Diamond Oval, typically the home ground for the Northern Cape Heat, eagerly extends its warm welcome to these young talents. These Under-19 teams will have the privilege of competing on an international-standard cricket pitch. As the Northern Cape sun dips below the horizon, they will savour the exhilaration of playing under the dazzling floodlights – an experience few school teams can lay claim to.
In preparation for this grand event, Hoërskool Diamantveld’s budding cricketers have been relentless at practice. They’ve been perfecting their bowling skills, they’ve honed their batting prowess in the nets, even adjusting the speed of the bowling machine to ensure they’re primed for any challenge that comes their way.
Luhan de la Rey, the captain of the DHS Under-19 team, enthusiastically emphasised the tremendous honour his team and school have in hosting such a prestigious event. They’ve wholeheartedly embraced this challenge, eagerly anticipating the opportunity to showcase their cricketing prowess.
De la Rey, speaking to the DFA, shared that the preparation has been gruelling, both mentally and physically. However, due to the hard work put in, the skipper says that the team is ready, having sweated it out in the gym and on the field during those intense training sessions.
Head of cricket at DHS Mario Arthur affirmed, “The boys are ready and excited to get the opportunity to show their talent and skills on an international field like the Diamond Oval. They are poised to showcase their mettle with both bat and ball, eagerly anticipating the chance to translate their dedication into valuable contributions on this renowned pitch.”
The preparation for this monumental event has been nothing short of rigorous. The team’s relentless efforts in the past few weeks have left no stone unturned.
“We’ve been putting in the hard yards through intensive group sessions and one-on-one coaching,” Arthur told the DFA. “The boys have even devoted their free time to additional practice, displaying an unwavering commitment to their craft.”
Amidst this sea of talent, one name stands out prominently: Simon Liversage. A formidable batsman, Liversage has been making waves with his exceptional skills and unwavering work ethic.
Coach Arthur couldn’t help but commend his standout performances, saying, “Simon Liversage has truly been a revelation. His relentless growth and immense talent make him a player to watch. He fearlessly embraces any challenge in the batting department and has already exhibited his prowess by amassing significant runs in the warm-up games, all at an impressive strike rate. His hunger for big scores is evident, and he’s poised to deliver.”
Coach Arthur said that the opening match against Grey College, a school steeped in history and tradition, needs no additional motivation.
“Grey College is synonymous with cricket excellence, and just the mention of their name is motivation enough,” he said. “Wearing our school badge fills the boys with an intrinsic motivation that is unparalleled. I urge our batters and bowlers to stick to the game plan and execute it to perfection. With our unwavering determination and the spirit of the school behind us, we are ready to take on this formidable challenge head-on.”
Meanwhile, off the pitch itself, as spectators gather to witness this cricketing spectacle, they’ll be treated to ice-cold refreshments and an array of delicious food from on-site vendors. And for those with a knack for catching a cricket ball one-handed that soars over the boundary for a six, there’s a chance to win a share of R10,000.
The atmosphere at the Kimberley Diamond Oval promises to be electric, with music setting the mood and entertaining the enthusiastic crowds. The stadium itself will shine bright with the brand-new, full-colour, digital scoreboard, a long-awaited upgrade that’s sure to enhance the experience for both players and fans.
Everyone is encouraged to bring a few friends and flock to the Diamond Oval in large numbers next weekend to witness this cricketing extravaganza unfold right before their eyes.
The opening ceremony promises to be a spectacular kickoff at 6.30pm next Friday night, immediately followed by a thrilling showdown between DHS and Grey College at 7pm.
Tickets for this historic event will be available for purchase at the Kimberley Diamond Oval: The ticket prices are a reasonable R30 for adults, R10 for children, and learners with school uniforms get in absolutely FREE.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of history in the making as Hoërskool Diamantveld and their rivals vie for cricket supremacy under the sunny, and starry, Northern Cape skies.
