Knysna's cricketing excellence

KNYSNA NEWS - Two Knysna residents have been honoured at the SWD Cricket annual awards ceremony, with Todd Walker named the T20 batsman of the season and cricket veteran Keith Cretchley the groundsman of the season.

As lockdown regulations prevented SWD Cricket from hosting its annual awards gala evening that is typically held at the conclusion of the 2019/20 season, it elected to stream the awards on its Facebook page and website on Friday 19 June.

Various awards were presented, including special merit awards, one of which was given to Plettenberg Bay boykjie Jean du Plessis for his impressive exploits for the SA Invitational XI, who he has represented twice this year, captaining the side too. However, it is SWD compatriot Todd Walker who scored big at the awards when he was named the T20 batsman of the season for his performance with the bat in SWD's annual T20 competition. He managed to notch up 170 runs at an average of 42.5 with a high score of 104.

Walker represented NMU Madibaz in this competition, but went on to play for Knysna Cavaliers in the SWD Premier League after NMU was suspended from the league for the season.

Speaking of his award, Walker was humble and surprised that he had picked up the honour. "I didn't think I had a good season, I struggled to find form, so I really didn't expect to receive the award," he said. "I did still put in a lot of work, so I am grateful that it's paid off in some respect and wasn't for nothing."

Todd Walker, SWD's T20 batsman of the season, in action for Cavaliers against Harlequins Forces in the Premier League. Photo: Blake Linder

He wasn't the only Knysnarian to attain high praise during the awards evening though, as long-time cricket fanatic Keith Cretchley received well-deserved recognition for his groundwork during the season when he was named SWD groundsman of the season. Cretchley has been a brilliant ambassador of the game in Knysna and SWD for as long as many can remember.

Keith Cretchley has been named the SWD groundsman of the season. Photo: Supplied

Officially Cavaliers' groundsman this season, Cretchley manages and maintains his facilities in Rheenendal which he has cultivated over the past decade.

For him, it's less about working for the recognition than it is for the love of the game. "I am honoured to receive awards like this, but to me it simply serves as further encouragement to further my love for cricket," Cretchley said. "I do what I do out of a passion for the game."

Todd Walker, SWD's T20 batsman of the season, in action for Cavaliers against Harlequins Forces in the Premier League. Photo: Blake Linder