Epilepsy comes up trumps again

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KNYSNA NEWS - The Epilepsy SA Southern Cape/Karoo branch residents continued their dominance in the annual cricket challenge against the Knysna Rotary Club, coming out on top once again last weekend.

The Rotary vs Epilepsy cricket match is an annual occasion held between the two organisations as a fun day out for both parties, especially for the residents and staff at the local Epilepsy SA branch.

For them, cricket is a beloved pastime as it offers a valuable form of exercise for the residents.

This was especially evident during the hard lockdown in early-to-mid-2020 when cricket was the only regular activity that the Epilepsy residents could take part in when they were restricted to the confines of the centre in Rio Street for their own safety.

Speaking at the time, branch director Lee-Anne van den Bergh said, "Everybody loves it. Cricket is the residents' favourite activity by far, and the joy on their faces when they play is priceless".

Gary Gabier in the middle of his bowling action.

Sadly, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the cricket match could not be held in 2020, but this year they could return to the cricket field to battle it out with their Rotary Knysna foes.

The match was held at the Knysna Sports Academy on Sunday 14 November and after the coin toss, Epilepsy trotted out to the middle to bat first and managed to score 107 runs.

Photo gallery: Annual cricket challenge a blast

A determined bowling effort from the Epilepsy residents kept the Rotary side in check and restricted them to 65 runs.

Rotarian Barbara Ikin said, "It was a truly international event, both in the nationalities of players, as well as in the adoption of 'international' rules. The match was fun and flexible, with many surprises and unexpected moments.

"The Epilepsy team was slick, fit and coordinated. The Rotary team was comical, gallant and brave. At least one Rotary player was made up of the composite parts of two players: where Janet Hunter could not run, she batted. Where Carol Wilkinson could not bat, she ran. Together they scored a magnificent five! Well done, Epilepsy!"

Hubert Malgas was one of Epilepsy's star bowlers. Photos: Blake Linder