NOT BLACK ENOUGH
Controversy mars T20 Community Cup final at Buffalo Park
Tavcor Commercial Old Grey beat East London’s United Cricket Club in their regional CSA T20 Community Cup final at the weekend, but the demographic composition of the Gqeberha side has led to them being disqualified from the competition and facing disciplinary action.
Luke Beaufort’s unbeaten 101 helped Old Grey see off United Cricket Club by 24 runs in the final at Buffalo Park on Saturday, but the makeup of the Eastern Province-based team on the day did not conform with CSA’s directives for the tournament.
The competition rules state that sides competing in the regional and national finals must have at least two players of colour in their team, one of which must be a black African.
This stipulation has been in play for a number of seasons predating the Covid-19 pandemic and EP Cricket say Old Grey were aware of the prerequisites heading into the regional final.
Both cricket services managers Colin Gxowa (EP) and Sane Kuzwayo (Border) sent a report to Cricket SA indicating that Old Grey had fallen short of the required number of players of colour when they took to the field on Saturday
Kuzwayo said Border should receive CSA’s recommendation this week.
“At this point we still need to consult with CSA,” Kuzwayo.
“What I can say, is that all the clubs are aware of the criteria and transformation expectations to participate in such a tournament.
“The match was between two unions, so it’s not for us to say automatically that our team must go through.
“It’s a directive that must come from Cricket SA.”
Gxowa, however, said on Sunday that Old Grey had already been disqualified from
EP’s point of view.
“The game was played as a friendly as far as EP is concerned. Together with Border, we spoke..
“We then took a decision that if Old Grey did not comply with the required numbers, they then automatically forfeit their position.
“Which therefore means United Cricket Cub will be the team that goes to the national finals.
“We are going to have to deal with Old Grey when they come back. We spent money on their accommodation and transport.
“Also, it’s a bad reflection on us, that our teams are not transformed and compliant.
“It looks as if we didn’t do our job when we did actually communicate all these things to them.
“We have a paper trail. So we will call them in and take them through our disciplinary measures.”
When contacted on Sunday,
Old Grey team manager Mark Moore said the club was unaware of the developments.
In the game, Old Grey won the toss and decided to bat first.
They were soon in trouble at seven for two and then 39 for four after six overs.
But a superb 100-run partnership between Beaufort (101 not out) and Martin Keller (35) off only 72 balls ensured the Gqeberha side posted a very competitive 178 for five.
Nathan George was the best of the United bowlers claiming three for 33 including the big wicket of former Warriors player Kelly Smuts for five.
Former SA U19 wicketkeeper Beaufort was sublime facing only 65 balls and slamming nine fours and seven sixes in his hundred.
United replied with 154 for eight with Keeran Forbes striking 62 in 50 deliveries while opener Jason van Zyl cracked 35 in 19 balls. Cameron Huber had a 12ball cameo at the death that yielded 25 runs but the target proved a bridge too far for the home team.
Matthew Biggs and Tristan van Breda took three wickets apiece for Old Grey.