Rotary reclaims the cricket trophy

Update

KNYSNA NEWS - The spirit of healthy competition was alive and well on Sunday 19 March, as Team Epilepsy took on Team Rotary for the annual Epilepsy vs Rotary cricket match. The match was followed by a braai, as is tradition, hosted by Rotary.

The event took place at the Knysna Sports Academy and was organised by Mike Smerdon, a Rotarian and the chairperson of the Epilepsy South Cape/Karoo Board.

The match was a highlight for Team Epilepsy, as the participants have been training for the game all year. They looked ready for action decked out in their new team uniforms.

"Team Epilepsy showed passion and determination for the game," says their coach, Glory Campbell.

The Epilepsy team has previously played indoor action cricket matches in Johannesburg. Spirits were high as the spectators cheered on their teams.

Team Rotary ultimately took home the coveted cup, winning the match by 31 runs, with the final score coming down to 143 for Rotary and 112 for Epilepsy. The match was played in good spirits and everyone was a winner on the day.

The cricket match has been happening annually for 20 years, with Epilepsy previously leading the way in terms of victories. It was a highlight for everybody when Rotary president George Coon joined in the game. "The involvement between Epilepsy and Rotary is quite strong," Coon said afterwards.

"The match is a celebration of our partnership and a way to uplift them [Epilepsy], and through uplifting them, uplifting our community."

The cricket match between Rotary Knysna and the residents of the Epilepsy SA South Cape/Karoo Branch is one that holds a fair amount of significance for both parties, but especially the Epilepsy residents.

With limited activities at their disposal, cricket has over time become their favourite pastime, even proving to be their cure for boredom during the initial stages of the hard lockdown at the breakout of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.

The Epilepsy residents therefore take great pride in the game, and wear their hearts on their sleeves whenever they take to the cricket field – be it against other Epilepsy SA branches from around the country, or against Rotary Knysna in their annual cricket clash.

For Rotary, it's also a fun team-building exercise where they can band together with fellow local Rotarians for a day filled with fun, laughs and lots of gees.

Rotary president George Coon (left) handed over the trophy to Rotarian Mike Mills.