A True-man of Hilton amidst the Ramblings of a Romantic
It’s a muggy Maritzburg afternoon. Driving past the City Oval veered my vehicle off-centre into a fond memory.
Natal captain Mike Procter racing in from the Park Drive End, Transvaal captain Dave Dyer facing.
The athletic Proc – in his inimitable style – delivered a peach of an in-swinger that pitched on off and cut away a touch – inviting the tentative opening batsman first-ball-of-a-classic-Currie-Cup-match prod – for second slip Henry Fotheringham to snap up the edge inches from groundsman Ken Orchard’s pristine turf.
In his customary dulcet tones that must have (did, ask my mom) set many a fair maiden’s heart a-flutter, radio commentator Neil Adcock described the action in beautiful detail I am told (I was watching agog from near the old bandstand) and my dad, washing the car in the back garden (aka The Wanderers) a few kilometres away, drenched the dog and scrambled for his car keys.
Michaelhouse (Dyer) caught Michaelhouse (Fothers) bowled Hilton College (Proc) 0.
What a revelation that match was. This standard 5 (grade 7) Merchiston Prep School boy sat entranced, gazing intently at every single ball in that mesmerising match. The one and only time I bunked school; was riddled with guilt at that, I might tell you.
Luckily Digby Rhodes bought the story that I took ill. Owed mom plenty for that.
Yes. Hilton College has produced a crop of outstanding quicks over the years.
Just now we will have 2019 opening bowlers Michael Booth and John Turner turning out for Hampshire second XI. Best wishes guys.
And then there is Lungi.
Lungisani True-man Ngidi.
A best of 6 for 58 v Oz on Mar 4 that took the Highbury Prep School boy to the fastest 50 ODI wickets for SA (26 matches).
Best wishes for a great 24th on the 29th Lungi.
A True Man of Orando et Laborando.
2020 Under-15 Independent Schools Cricket Festival day three report
2020 Under-15 Independent Schools Cricket Festival day two report
https://kzn10.com/hilton-and-clifton-sneak-narrow-wins-on-day-two-of-u-15-iscf/
2020 Under-15 Independent Schools Cricket Festival day one report
https://kzn10.com/three-wins-three-draws-on-opening-day-of-u-15-iscf/
Hilton’s Gareth Schreuder makes good in England
https://kzn10.com/hiltons-gareth-schreuder-makes-good-in-england/