CRICKET NEWS - With the benefits of sports and physical activity being well documented, the newly established George Vlakkie Cricket League (GVCL) realised the role of sport in addressing a variety of socioeconomic challenges faced by the different communities in George and the surrounding rural areas.
They are determined to use sport as a way of instilling a sense of pride and discipline back into our communities and to offer a different, healthy outlet for our youth.
The weekend of 5 and 6 May saw the culmination of the first George Vlakkie Cricket League tournament. Eighteen teams from different communities in George took part in the tournament that stretched over six weeks.
There was representation from almost all communities in George and the crowd attendance was almost 1 000 people.
The finals were contested by the Legends 2.0 and Convent Gardens Sixers. Both teams had finished first in their group with the Legends winning the final in what, as expected, was a highly contested game. The Gravy Boys from Rosemoor and the pride of Parkdene, Rising Stars, finished in a respectable third and fourth place in the cup competition.
Winners of the cup competition, Legends 2.0
The LHM Golden Oldies were crowned the plate winners with the Conville Knights finishing the tournament as the shield champions. The host for Finals Day, Park Boys (plate runners-up) from Protea Park and Pacaltsdorp's Pythons (shield runners-up) also competed. All these teams represented themselves, their communities and the GVCL with great spirit and pride.
In addition to the different players, administrators and supporters throughout the tournament, Finals Day would not have been possible without the sponsors.
"We understand the economic challenges for businesses currently and we are heartened by the fact that these institutions share our visions for the upliftment of our communities," said Haylene Malgas, one of the organisers.
"We would like to thank Africorp Accounting, the Garden Route Chinese Community Police Forum, Samir Sarker and Moreki Distributors. A special mention to George Municipality for their continued support and efforts with regard to maintaining playing services. Finals Day was a big success thanks to all your support."
The shield winners were Conville Knights.
Malgas said they are looking forward to the first full season of league action from the GVCL, which will be starting soon. As part of their development initiatives, an u.13 cricket league will be created as part of the next season.
"The GVCL is looking to expand into the remaining areas as well as the surrounding rural areas," she said.
For more information on the George Vlakkie Cricket League, please contact Haylene on 063 525 1219.
Golden Oldies were the plate winners.
The runners-up in the cup competition, Convent Garden Sixers.
‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
