KNYSNA CRICKET NEWS - Despite the continuation of professional cricket right around the world, due to current lockdown restrictions, structured local amateur cricket has not seen a ball bowled, a wicket taken, or a boundary hit in almost a year.

The last time any formal club cricket was played within the South Western Districts Cricket (SWDC) structures was the Premier League final on 29 February 2020 between George Cricket Club and Union Stars Cricket Club, almost exactly 11 months ago. 

There was hope when training briefly resumed for clubs, until SWDC suspended training in late November over growing concerns for player safety due to the rising number of Covid-19 cases at the time. 

In December, an adjusted Level 3 lockdown was put in place for the whole country, and this was extended in January, further delaying any club cricket aspirations. Chairman of SWDC Albertus Kennedy explained that whatever hope there might be of club cricket being played, will hinge upon various factors.

"We hopefully should have a better idea going forward when government authorities review the lockdown regulations," he said. "Matters like the readiness of facilities and the application of regulation protocols will obviously impact the return to play." As the governing body in charge of structured cricket in the region, SWDC has also been hard at work over workable solutions going forward.

"Since the outbreak of the pandemic in March 2020, CSA and its affiliates (including SWD) are continuously doing scenario planning with the aim to ensure that cricket gets played in a safe environment," he said. 

"We are obviously looking at possible options to at least have some sort of cricket still being played this season." Kennedy emphasised that the safety of administrators, officials, and players will remain of the utmost importance if any cricket gets played again.

Llewelyn Louw, chairman of Pirates United Cricket Club, has noted an impact on the club during these times. 

"The second wave and delayed season have impacted us greatly, particularly the social interaction and spirit in the club, but our members have remained in contact as best we can," he said. 

Pirates United players celebrate a wicket during a match in the 2019/20 season. Photos: Blake Linder

Chairman of Knysna Cavaliers Cricket Club Jannie Cremer has said that they aren't expecting a season to still happen. "Not at this stage," he said. "With the current lockdown until 15 February, I expect it to be highly unlikely that cricket will still be able to take place this season."

For club players such as Jade Titus, who typically plays for Pirates, cricket holds a special place in their lives. "Cricket is almost like a drug to me, and it feels like an eternity since we last played," he said. "It's just also really frustrating that we can't even practise at all." Divan Luiters, a player at the Cavaliers for whom cricket is a major outlet on weekends, has not only been missing a means of relieving day-to-day stress, but also a means of social interaction. "Naturally, being unable to practise will ultimately have an effect on my fitness; however, it is the team spirit I miss the most."

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