Cricketers caught in their own net

KNYSNA CRICKET NEWS - Cavaliers Cricket Club has lost its place in the playoffs of the SWD Reserve League, after the association corrected an 'administrative error' that had mistakenly named the Cavaliers as the fourth team to progress.

In the SWD Reserve League, the top team in each of the three pools automatically qualify for the playoffs while the next best team, based on their net run-rate, is the fourth team to progress to the semifinals.

SWD Cricket initially announced on its Facebook page on 17 December that the three teams that automatically qualified for the playoffs were Union Stars C (first in Pool B on 39 points), Pioneers B (first in Pool C on 37 points) and Mossel Bay B (first in Pool A on 29 points) and that the Cavaliers would be the fourth side (second in Pool C on 35 points).

This was incorrect as the Cavaliers was not the next best side based on their net run-rate, but rather on points, and the incorrect announcement was put down to an "administrative error" by SWD Cricket chief executive Albertus Kennedy. "It was just a small administrative error, as the fourth team is meant to be determined by virtue of their net run-rate, and not points," Kennedy said.

After correcting the error, it was announced that it was instead George B that had qualified based on net run-rate, and not the Cavaliers.

Cavaliers 2nd XI captain Jannie Cremer expressed his disappointment that they had not made the playoffs, but said the fault did not lie with SWD whatsoever. "We struggled a bit in the middle of the season and fought back in our last four games, but unfortunately it just wasn't enough," Cremer said. "We are responsible for our own mistakes, but we can only grow stronger from here and with a renewed sense of belief, we will aim to achieve our goal of reaching the playoffs next season." Cavaliers chairman Tiaan Terblanche confirmed that SWD had amended the mistake with the club, and that there were no hard feelings between the two parties. "We will continue with a positive relationship with SWD, as we look to continue to grow the club within the association," Terblanche said.

Cavaliers' 2nd XI huddle together after a victorious season opener against Pirates. Photo: Blake Linder