Valiant knock was inspired by Salem’s legendary comrade

INSPIRED by the memories of a fallen comrade Salem cricket club were spurred on to the 2018 Pineapple Tournament title over the past weekend.

In an incredible performance Salem edged league champs Southwell by one wicket to claim the trophy during the tournament’s 114th edition.

“It was one hell of a final. I personally think it is the best I have ever seen,” said Pineapple tournament president Walter Biggs.

“There was a lot of emotion attached to the game.

“A legend of Salem cricket club, Cuan King, sadly passed away last Tuesday, so when Salem got to the final there were a lot of emotions as Cuan played for Salem until he was 60.”

In the match Southwell batted first and were all out for 207.

James Stirk top-scored with 92, while he was backed up well by Dane Kruger, who scored 53.

But the most impressive first innings performance came from Salem bowler Leard King, who is Cuan’s son, as he put in a massive effort to claim superb figures of 6/36 that helped limit Southwell.

The Salem chase didn’t get off to the best start as they slumped to 93/5, only for Nick Zimmerman to play an inspired innings, batting brilliantly with the middle and lower order to take them over the line and end unbeaten on 116.

“Chasing down 208 on that track is a big ask and at 93/5 Salem were staring down the barrel, but young Zimmerman got 116 not out. He batted absolutely beautifully and is only 19 years old,” said Biggs.

“Besides being an emotional occasion in honour of Cuan it was brilliant cricket, absolutely absorbing and I wouldn’t have swapped it to be at St George’s Park.”

It was a bit of a surprise that Salem came away with the title as double defending champs Cuylerville and league champs Southwell would arguably have been most people’s picks to take the trophy.

“Salem came third in the league. They did very well, so it wasn’t entirely a surprise for them to win the tournament, but I think the emotion of Cuan passing away just lifted that side to another level,” said Biggs.

“Salem really just wanted it so badly and the guys gave it absolutely everything.

“They did extremely well to beat Cuyleville in the semis and then the very strong Southwell team in the final.”

In the other divisions Cuylerville seconds won the B section, beating Port Alfred seconds in the final, while Tiger Titans won the C section, which was a round-robin, with them finishing top.

“It was a great tournament. Saturday night was absolutely packed to the rafters.

“There was huge attendance,” said Biggs.