Top school cricketers to battle it out
SOME of the Eastern Cape’s most talented cricketers will go head to head when Pearson High School’s eighth Pam Golding Festival gets under way today.
It has grown from four teams in 2008 when it started, with this year’s edition seeing 14 sides battling it out.
East London’s Hudson Park, Uitenhage’s Daniel Pienaar and a Pearson Invitational team have been added.
However, only 12 teams will play in the T20 matches starting today. Hosts Pearson face a tough 50-over match examination of their skills against Hudson Park, who are ranked No 4 in South Africa.
Another game to look out for today is the T20 clash between homeside Framesby and Grey High.
The teams will play declaration format matches tomorrow which will allow teams to bat twice, if the game allows it to cater for as much cricket as possible in the day.
The festival provides teams with an opportunity to fine-tune their games for the upcoming league season.
Pearson principal André van Staden said his school was excited to be hosting the festival once again.
“The festival is a great opportunity for our top cricketing schools to kickstart the new season in fine style,” he said.
“We hope the boys will have fun and make sure to build new friendships.”
The teams taking part are: Pearson, Pearson Invitation, Victoria Park, Westering, St Dominic’s, Alexander Road, Framesby, Marlow, Union, Grey High, Woodridge, Hudson Park, Daniel Pienaar and Hangklip.