What a great day for Border Boys.
On Sunday 27th August 2023 Border Boys played in their inaugural T20 cricket match.
Steven Pope, Ryan Mokawem, David Underwood, Justin King, Mat Samler, Paul Blair, Matt Swann, Mike Swann, Adrian Holdstock (Umpire).
Seated:
Hayden James, Aidan Naude, Brenden Fourie, Bryan Winson (Capt), Peter Kirsten, Brett Hawson, Laurie Davies (Scorer)
In many ways this will go down as a historic day for us. It was the culmination of many months of hard work and dedication by many whom I can’t thank enough.
The day began with the Border Boys and their families arriving early to help with the set-up of the gazebo and the braai’s. It was a great team effort with many of the kids getting involved and we could clearly see who the future engineers of this world are.
An hour before play, an official team photograph was taken which was followed by a capping ceremony lead by the Border Boys ambassadors Brenden Fourie and Peter Kirsten. This was a wonderful moment where all the members received their official playing caps and is a memory that will stay with us always. Brenden and Peter have been extremely supportive of Border Boys and it was great to have them turn out on match day.
Border Boys won the toss and we decided to field first as the result of a damp pitch following previous days of inclement weather. Adrian Holdstock officiated the toss and laid the law down in terms of his expectations as our umpire for the day. We were grateful to have Adrian umpire for us as his reputation as an ICC Elite Panel Umpire precedes him.
Hursley Park set a total of 147/4 in their 20 overs. Hayden James picked up the first ever Border Boys wicket, having a catch taken behind the stumps by Steven Pope. Brenden Fourie completed a tight bowling spell and Peter Kirsten took a good catch at backward point to give Matthew Swann his first Border Boys wicket. We dropped a number of chances, but there was a lot of commitment in the field. Kirsten was unlucky with his bowling, having three catches put down, but it was great to see Brenden and Peter rolling back the years. Steven Pope took charge from behind the stumps and his cricketing experience shone through whilst directing the players around the field. Fourie, Kirsten & Pope gathered on a few occasions to discuss the best fielding options, whilst Brett Hawson and Mat Samler picked up a scalp each.
Justin King and Hayden James opened the innings and the first wicket fell with the score on 7. A bit of rustiness shone through and we were 10/4 after a hat-trick by Khajit Sharma with Pope being caught behind, Mike Swann falling LBW and Aidan Naude being bowled. Fourie and Kirsten came in at 6 & 7 respectively and looked to rebuild the innings. Kirsten rolled back the years with a number of his signature shots, showcasing some classic drives, cuts and glances. Fourie fell LBW for 8 and Kirsten was eventually bowled for 14 after batting most of the innings. Mat Samler showed his defiance at the end of the innings with some excellent shots. Border Boys we fell short of the target and were all out for 77.
Hursley Park were great hosts and we would like to thank them for their hospitality and for being part of a very special day with us. I can see this being the beginning of a long cricketing relationship with HPCC.
Post match festivities included a raffle with some great prizes and an auction of Brenden and Peter’s Border Boys match shirts. This was a fantastic moment as there was lots of interest and a bidding war between supporters and members. One of the funniest moments of the day was when Steven Pope won a Brenden Fourie signed bat and Adrian Holdstock winning a Peter Kirsten signed bat. A number of braais continued into the early hours of the morning and some members retired to their tents around 3am.
Thank you to all who gave so generously and those who supported the club on this special day.
I would like to thank all the Border Boy members and supporters for getting behind us. I would also like to thank Hursley Park Cricket Club for being superb hosts and for allowing us to have a top-class venue for our very first game.
And finally, to our ambassadors Brenden Fourie and Peter Kirsten, thank you for getting behind the concept that is Border Boys. Both of you have been superb in the support of Border Boys and we look forward to sharing more exciting events in 2024.
Watch the Border Boys v Hursley Park CC match on the below link:
https://www.youtube.com/live/-E4OAb9VP4Y?si=q3fMoHwJxTGpPzbT
