We left Woodridge with heavy hearts. Not only is it a beautiful location but we had been entertained in an excellent manner. The bonds between thye two schools were greatly strengthened by our visit.
After a drive to Knysna where en route we saw the longest bungee jump drop in the world into a ravine and stopped at the Storms River gorge for a drink and photos, we arrived at the Lourie Oval in Knysna to play our next gamne v Knysna Cricket School. The school which offers 9 sports to children from a whole variety of backgrounds especially encouraging the development of those from disadvantaged backgrounds was founded in 1982 by Keith Cretchley another old friend of ours who is always delighted to see us and host a game. Having lost last time he fielded a much stronger sided !! The match was a 35 over game as we did not get there until 1.00 and another match was scheduled for 6.30!!
Bancroft's batted first and moved along at a steady, if unspectacular pace, Anand Patel scoring 51. We were a little behind the clock until Rahul Patel came in and scored a quick fire 46 off 27 balls, rather foolishly running himself out when he was going well. Bancroft's total of 181 - 7 was good off 35 overs against an attack with a couple of quick bowlers. The sports school batted effectively with opener Jade looking quite a prospect scoring 43 and no 6 Geoff ( I use Christian names as the scorer forgot to include surnames !!) hitting 45 including 4 sixes until Abhi Bothra got him with one that turned and hit a top edge! Abhi's 4 for 36 off 7 overs was the pick of the bowling although Akash Sikka and Faiz Khan also bowled effectively. Thed opposition were bowled out for 121.
So at the half way stgae in the tour in terms of time the results are played 6 and won 4 - this is the best set of results on a South African tour and we have 4 further games in which to build on this performance. The topuring party is working very effectivley together with everyone playing their part and all are developing their skills as cricketers from playing in a variety of different conditions. They have also been so far excellent ambassadors for the school and met with a whole range of opponents from a great variety of backgrounds. It is also to be hoped that they have taken in something of the culture and traditions of the country as well as recogniused its beauty.
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