Border’s best shine
Awards evening recognises all contributors
THE Border cricket season is now officially over after a glittering awards evening brought the curtain down on the 2015/2016 season at Buffalo Park on Friday night.
A full compliment of awards were handed out across the board that sought to reward the major contributors to the continued success of the Border cricket Union as a whole, with rural cricket, club cricket, scorers, umpires, and women’s and men’s teams all receiving their due.
“The important thing is that we celebrate the people and players who have contributed towards Border cricket over the season, even if it hasn’t been a good one,” said Border coach Frank Plaatjes.
Major award-winner on the night, Border stand-in captain, Martin Walters, claimed the coveted player of the season and batsman of the season awards.
He was unfortunately unable to attend the awards evening, so his father Dennis had to accept the awards on his behalf, as he is already in England where he is playing some county cricket, which should benefit him when he returns for the new season later this year.
“Martin had a superb season for us in all formats and that was reflected in the stats over the season,” said Plaatjes.
“He also led the team from the front over a difficult season and his calming influence came to the fore on many occasions to help the team.”
Loud cheers welcomed the naming of Walters, as well as bowler of the season, Phaphama Fojela, who claimed the award for the second season running.
“Fojela was again our main bowling threat this season and he led our very good unit superbly,” admitted Plaatjes.
The Border women’s team were also the toast of the evening after they won their first piece of silverware, the Coastal T20 Plate, while a special award was also handed out on the night to Border and Warriors stalwart Lundi Mbane.
Mbane spearheaded the Border bowling attack for years before being snapped up by the Warriors and has been a regular for them in the shorter formats of the game over the past few seasons.
To bring the club season to an end, Border Premier League winners Old Selbornians will participate in the Club Cricket Championships in Pretoria, which starts on Friday.