Less than two years after its establishment, the Jeffreys Bay Cricket Club has achieved a significant milestone by participating in the Pineapple Tournament in Port Alfred from March 8 to 15.
As previously reported, the Jeffreys Bay Cricket Club was founded in September 2023 by Ruan Thomas after he noticed the need for a cricket club that provides people of all ages with a platform to showcase their talents at no cost.
The cricket club currently has 60 members, with 30 actively involved, and they use the cricket pitch at Victory Christian School for practice on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Since the start of 2024, they have begun participating in the Heatherbank Corporate Cricket League in Gqeberha.
Although the cricket club was only recently established, they received an invitation earlier this year to participate in the prestigious Pineapple Tournament from March 8 to 15, which they gladly accepted.
Finally, after raising the much-needed funding to participate in the tournament, the club set off to Port Alfred.
Thomas said that the tournament was a blast, and they learned a lot, not only about cricket but about what it means to be a team.
After losing their first two games, he said that the team was determined to win at least one game before heading home.
Finally, on March 15, Thomas said that they had played with their “heart and soul” and won against Cathcart.
They batted first and posted a score of 310 in 44.3 overs, with Luciano Arries hitting a brilliant 119 runs from 116 balls and Daniel Cloete showcasing a quick-fire 60 runs from 55 balls.
The club then took to bowling and bowled their opponents all out for 252 in 42.5 overs, winning the match by 58 runs.
Chris van der Westhuizen took three wickets for 23 runs in eight overs, while Diwan Potgieter took three wickets for 46 runs in 7.5 overs.
“It was an amazing experience. Winning at least one game on such a prestigious platform has boosted our confidence a great deal since the teams at the tournament are in another class,” said Thomas.
He said that they plan to participate in the Pineapple Tournament again next year and will begin preparing months in advance.
“Now that we know what to expect, next year we will go above and beyond to prepare for the high level of cricket played there. We are fortunate to play cricket throughout the year, and I believe that with the continuous growth and improvement of players, we will bring a trophy home,” said Thomas.
“The club will grow from strength to strength. We have made some serious waves, but we plan to stay the amazing club that we are, where everyone is welcome, no matter their skill level, age, or race.”
Thomas said that the support from businesses in Jeffreys Bay has been incredible and it has made them realise that people care about the development of sport.
He said that ahead of the tournament, they had received sponsorship from JD Intelligence, J-Bay Bru Co, Buco Jeffreys Bay, Gabriël Jewellers, Tampa Bay Spur (Jeffreys Bay), Creative PVC, Okandivi Properties Franchise Jeffreys Bay, Beesland Slaghuis & Deli, Blikkiesbraai, The Backyard Beer Garden, Gepettos Barber, Vida Mineral Water Jeffreys Bay and BP Jeffreys Bay.
“We would like to thank everyone who made any form of contribution. Thank you to all our sponsors for believing in us and making the tour possible for us to represent our beautiful town. We appreciate each one of you and we hope to continue working with you,” said Thomas.
Now that they are back home, he said they have already started playing in the Kouga Mayor’s Cup against Mentorskraal, Hankey, and Humansdorp.
Thomas further said they would continue playing in the corporate league in Gqeberha.
“Cricket never stops for us, and we are grateful that we can play the sport we love so much,” said Thomas.
Given the ongoing expenses for training, playing cricket, and travelling, he expressed hope that local businesses would grow alongside them and support their club.
“Our club is free for all to join, so any form of sponsorship towards the club and its players is highly appreciated,” said Thomas.
