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School cricket history at Kimberley’s Diamond Oval

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The stage is set at the prestigious Kimberley Diamond Oval for the inaugural top-tier high school T20 cricket tournament, a groundbreaking event that marks the first-ever school cricket tournament to grace an international cricket field.

PROUD HOSTS: The Hoêrskool Diamantveld Under-19s (back row) and the Under-15s (fron) that will be taking on visiting school teams during their T20 tournament. Picture: Danie van der Lith

THE DIAMOND City of Kimberley is abuzz with excitement as Diamantveld High School (DHS), in collaboration with the Northern Cape Cricket Union, kicks off a momentous chapter in cricketing history. The stage is set at the prestigious Kimberley Diamond Oval for the inaugural top-tier high school T20 cricket tournament, a groundbreaking event that marks the first-ever school cricket tournament to grace an international cricket field.

Nine elite schools from across the nation have converged in Kimberley, eager to etch their names in history and showcase their cricketing prowess in this unprecedented event. The excitement is palpable, with broadcasting rights secured by SuperSport Schools, ensuring that cricket enthusiasts across the nation can witness the thrilling matches as they unfold.

The line-up of schools participating in this historic tournament reads like a who’s who of cricket powerhouses. Grey College Bloemfontein, Saint Andrew’s Bloemfontein, Paarl Boys’ High, Potchefstroom Volkskool, Hoërskool Noord-Kaap, Hoërskool Kalahari, Noord-Kaap HUB Team, Carlton van Heerden, and the hosting school, Hoërskool Diamantveld, are ready to battle it out to secure their dominance as the best school cricket team in the country.

What sets this tournament apart is not just the high-quality cricket it promises but also its commitment to fostering the development of cricket within the Northern Cape region. The Northern Cape Cricket Union’s support plays a pivotal role in this mission, marking a significant step towards nurturing young talent and promoting the sport within local communities.

Picture: Danie van der Lith. Graphic: Lance Fredericks

The tournament features two teams from each school, an under-15 and an under-19 team, ensuring that the talent pipeline continues to flourish. The opening match, scheduled for today, September 22, features Hoërskool Diamantveld taking on Grey College Bloemfontein. Both teams are prepared to set the stage for a thrilling and competitive tournament that promises to captivate cricket enthusiasts.

Principal Leon Victor of Hoërskool Diamantveld expressed his enthusiasm for hosting this remarkable event, emphasising their commitment to the growth of cricket within the Northern Cape.

As the spotlight shines on this cricketing extravaganza, spectators can expect a vibrant atmosphere at the Kimberley Diamond Oval. Music will set the mood, and on-site vendors will offer ice-cold refreshments and delicious food. For those with a knack for catching cricket balls one-handed as they soar over the boundary for a six, there’s a chance to win a share of R10,000.

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.

The opening ceremony, slated for 6.30pm tonight, will be a spectacular kickoff, immediately followed by a thrilling showdown between Hoërskool Diamantveld and Grey College at 7pm.

Tickets for this historic event are available for purchase at the Kimberley Diamond Oval, with reasonable pricing at R30 for adults and R10 for children. Learners with school uniforms will enjoy free admission.

Today, under the sunny Northern Cape skies, Hoërskool Diamantveld and their rivals vie for cricket supremacy on the international stage. The Diamond City is ready to sparkle as cricket history is made, and sports enthusiasts from near and far are invited to be part of this momentous occasion.

Don’t miss your chance to witness history unfold at the Kimberley Diamond Oval!

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