Gripping a bat firmly in his hand, a young boy waits patiently. His eyes are set on another youngster charging towards him. Then it comes, a ball soaring towards him. The young batsman swings and his bat connects with the ball.
Cricket is one of the most popular sports in South Africa and around the world. Widely regarded as a gentleman’s sport, where sportsmanship, athleticism, and patience meet.
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With it playing such an important role in the sports world, Drakensberg Primary School is well on its way to developing great players. This comes with the new nets and pitches that were built at the school.
“The building of the nets and pitch began last year,” explains Anthony Stokes, the school’s cricket organiser.
With PitchVision, an organisation accredited with Cricket South Africa, overseeing the project, the new cricket grounds promise to ensure the school’s cricket teams and hone their skills to a tee.
“Initially, we had three nets. These were upgraded and a fourth one was built. The mat used for the new pitch gives a true reflection of the bowler’s abilities. This is because the new mats are very much like what the professional players use. Before, we simply had a mat covering cement.”
Furthermore, the nets enclosing the pitch are not the horrid metal fencing, which was once so popular throughout schoolyards.
“The nets are looser and are able to absorb the impact of the ball when the batsman hit is. This means the ball’s life will last longer and it doesn’t bounce around everywhere,” says Stokes.
Drakensberg sports five cricket teams, who are all thoroughly enjoying the new facilities. With the new facilities allowing the youngsters to reach their full potential, the school teams are looking forward to meeting any opposition with confidence.
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