Firing at the crease
CHATSWORTH cricketer Courtney Gounden is on the cusp of making the SA U19 squad, after her heroics with the bat helped KZN Coastal beat Free State in the Cricket SA Girls’ U19 week, in Port Elizabeth over the weekend.
The left-handed batter, who is also a useful right-arm pace bowler, scored an undefeated 105 runs to post a imposing total of 244. Courtney is a top order batter.
As per the rules of the tournament, the players are not allowed to keep cellphones in their possession. However, her dad Larry, who is in the windy city with her, spoke to POST.
“I used to play professional soccer for Manning Rangers and Berea so I suppose she has the sporting genes in her. From the time she was little she always preferred playing sport with boys.
“Courtney also represented KZN Schools for table tennis, so the handeye co-ordination is there.”
The grade 10 pupil at Arena Park Secondary is on tour until this Friday.
Pillay is upbeat on his daughter’s chance of making the SA U19 squad.
“Another noteworthy innings from her and I’m sure the selectors will take notice of her talent.”
Courtney currently plays her club cricket for Chatsworth Sporting.
All the results on the opening day of the tournament produced convincing wins, with Western Province beating Eastern Province by 302 runs. KwaZulu-Natal Coastal produced a 185-run triumph over Free State, Easterns claimed a 151-run win over Northern Cape and, finally, Kei returned an emphatic 104-run win over KwaZulu-Natal Inland.