Message from the Deputy Headmaster:

“Cricket is an education in itself.” – C. B. Fry

This last weekend was incredibly special for Graeme College… so much has been said about the success on the rugby field this year, which we are incredibly proud of. To top it off was our U15s managing to win the Lilyfontein 7s tournament, which then qualifies them to play in the national tournament later this year. It was a tough process, but they managed to overcome Dale in the semi-final and Queen’s in the final. Exciting times ahead, as these youngsters showed how much depth there is in the rugby club.

Then, there was the huge squash festival hosted by Mr Bodenstein. It has become a highlight on the squash calendar and he has built up a fantastic event over the years. There were some huge results there for Graeme too.

Ah, it’s finally nearly cricket season… “What do they know of cricket who only cricket know?” – C. L. R. James

At first glance, this quote sounds quite confusing. What James meant was:

If all you understand is the game itself… the runs, wickets, tactics and results; then you don’t truly understand cricket. To really understand cricket, you must understand:

The people who play it The communities that support it The history behind it The values it teaches The society it reflects

James was writing about how cricket shaped identity, class, race, culture, leadership and national pride, particularly in the Caribbean. Sport (cricket) plays such a similar role in South Africa… and very much so at Graeme College.

As we start looking towards the upcoming cricket season, where we can enjoy the nuances of a completely different sport. “Cricket is a game that owes much of its unique appeal to the fact that it should be played not only within its Laws but also within the Spirit of the Game.” – MCC, Preamble to the Laws of Cricket. No other sport literally refers to the ‘spirit of the game’ in the actual rules or laws. And hence, it is a very different approach and possibly why so many people follow the sport religiously.

Our cricket culture is in an incredibly healthy space. What we saw last week was something absolutely extraordinary. Mr Xonxa took a young group of players to Zimbabwe for the first time. Unfortunately, the Grade 12s couldn’t travel due to their exams, and it then became very much a trip to ‘gain experience’ for our cricketers. They, however, had different ideas. The St George’s T20 Festival is a huge event and incredibly well organised. Fifteen teams from Zimbabwe and South Africa play over three days, with one winner in the end. You have seen the results and the growth of the team. Absolutely incredible. They did gain experience and also gained the trophy as overall winners.

Then, literally this week, we have been informed that two of those players – Corbin Tidbury and Zuko Pontshi – have been invited to the National U17 Camp in Pretoria during October. We are absolutely humbled by and proud of their achievements and recognition. They are the only players from our province attending the camp, which again says so much about our culture, coaching and player development. It was a great weekend for Graeme College, but this was the cherry on top of the cake. Congratulations, young Graemians!

G van Molendorff