Runs Galore at Fasken Time Cricket Festival

Spectators at the 2022 Fasken St David’s Time Cricket Festival were treated to a feast of runs, as some of South Africa’s top schoolboy batsmen made the most of conditions across the 12 matches that were played.

The festival, which has been hosted at St David’s Marist Inanda since 2017, sees school teams play two-day matches with a view to developing more advanced skills that are required in first-class and test cricket. The festival was once again sponsored by Fasken Law, who have been valuable and committed partners in presenting this prestigious event, which brings together some of South Africa's top cricketing schools. This year we were excited to have a Lions Invitational XI join this mix of teams. 

The teams for the festival came from Clifton School, Hoërskool Noordheuwel, King Edward VII School (KES), Jeppe High School for Boys, Maritzburg College, Paul Roos Gimnasium, St Andrews Bloemfontein, St David's Marist Inanda, St John's College, St Stithians Boys College, and Waterkloof Hoërskool, with an invitational XI team from the Gauteng Lions. 

This year, a total of 18 centuries were scored, with several batsmen passing 150 in an innings. Michael Holmes of KES hammered 181 against Maritzburg College, and was awarded Best Batsman of the festival. Lhuandre Pretorius of St Stithians scored 324 runs during his two matches, including two centuries, and was named Player of the Festival.

The hot and dry conditions made the going tough for bowlers and fielders, who had to toil hard throughout the four days. There was however a standout performance from St David’s off-spinner, Boago Gaoraelwe, who took 7 wickets for 86 runs in an innings against Paul Roos, to earn the bowler of the tournament award.

The Fasken Time Cricket Festival was introduced by St David’s Director of Cricket, David Nosworthy. Speaking to the players at the end of the festival on Sunday, he said “I love T20 cricket, I love white ball cricket, but the lessons you’ve learned in the last few days will help you and be what really guides you in the long term and in all forms of cricket.”

We congratulate every player that took to the pitch over the four-day festival and played superbly. We also extend out heartfelt thanks to every individual who helped make the festival run smoothly - players, coaches, St David's staff, scorekeepers, EMS personnel, and supporters. Every individual contribution makes this festival possible and ensures its success and longevity.

Our thanks once again to our title sponsor, Fasken Law, without whom we would not be able to deliver this level of event, and to our equipment and prize sponsors IXU, who have supported this festival generously since its inception. Our thanks too to SuperSport Schools for live streaming all of the matches, making it possible for families and supporters across the country and the world to watch the boys play. Whilst this is great from a spectator perspective, it also gives the boys a global platform on which to showcase their talent. 

Round 1

• Waterkloof beat Jeppe by an inning and 20 runs; 
• Maritzburg College drew with KES; 
• St Andrew’s drew with Noordheuwel; 
• St John’s beat Clifton by 158 runs; 
• Lions XI drew with St Stithians; 
• Paul Roos beat St David’s by 9 wickets

Round 2

• St David’s drew with Clifton; 
• St John’s drew with Waterkloof; 
• Jeppe drew with Paul Roos; 
• KES drew with St Andrew’s; 
• Noordheuwel drew with Lions XI; 
• Maritzburg College drew with St Stithians

Top Players of the Festival

• Best Bowler: Boago Gaoraelwe from St David's (7/86 vs Paul Roos).
• Best Batsman: Michael Holmes from KES (181 vs Maritzburg College).
• Player of the tournament: Luhandre Pretorius from St Stithians (324 runs, including two hundreds).