Spring has always represented “new beginnings” and with the blooming of the new season, all the veterans cricket teams in the Titans Veterans League took to the field, armored up and ready to go to battle.

The first fixture saw Police Veterans taking on league newcomers Adelaar Larre. A below par performance from the newbies handed the law enforcers a win with a bonus point, catapulting them to the summit of the league table.

A solid performance from Henryjohn Skinner took the game out of coverage area for the Larre, as he hit an unbeaten 63, at a good strike rate with 9 balls crossing the ropes.

Larre stand-in captain, Adolph Schoeman got a chance to lift his bat and salute the crowd, but this was not enough as they dropped valuable points. A dismal display from the rest of the team members had them all out for a little over 100 runs. Juan Venter was the chief destroyer with impressive figures of 4-13 in 3.4 overs.

The action moved up north to Sinovich Park where a lion-hearted 167 by The Sixties was easily toppled by the Sinoville Spoilers. Once again Trevor Poole showed that class is permanent with a run a ball 81.

The spoilers top order took no prisoners as the gobbled up the score in quick time for a 7-wicket victory, with Piet Botha reaching yet another cap raising moment as he prepares to represent his country in this year’s Africa Cup.

The Laudium Veterans got off to flier with Yahwa Jiwa smashing an impressive 73 runs at a blistering strike rate, however the experience of Tappies Erasmus was the main attraction. He cast out his rod and 6 batters from pretoria west took the bait. Tappies then gave them a masters lesson on how to play spin as he hit a clean half century to help his team reach the target of 202.

Elsewhere another group of newcomers shook hands and exchanged pleasantries at the illustrious Irene Country Club. The PHSOB Vets, on this very momentous occasion, were led by inspirational captain Nick van Woerkom, who delicately crafted a sound 55 runs, often showing glimpses of his youthful brilliance. Warren Laubscher’s onslaught after halftime drinks was a beautiful display of hard hitting and batting mastery. He struck 94 runs of 71 balls and was very unlucky not be inducted into the TVL Hall of Fame. Laudium XI star were unable to chase down the score but did show moments of brilliance as they fought to the very end.

Sinoville Sluggers made life very difficult for the Sinoville Benchwarmers. The Sluggers massed up the largest total this weekend, reaching 255 after their allotment of 30 overs. Roger Dowman impressed with a dashing 70 runs flowing off his willow. The Benchwarmers were only able to get passed 200 runs losing by 44 runs.

The Brits Vets also took full advantage of their game against Irene Renegades who were given a royal baptism in their inaugral TVL match. Brits ran away with a bonus point taking them to the summit of their group.

Eesterust Vets struggled to get out the starting blocks as they were forced to surrender 4 points to the PTA BB Guns, Hennie Smit cocked his pistol and let rip 61 rounds wounding the Pretoria easters, who had no answer. They will come back strong next week. Mark my words.

Stay Tuned for more action next week as the T20 league kicks off.

Recently crowned National Club champions, Irene Retirement Villagers are the team to beat as they have set the benchmark for all to aspire to.

THE NIGHT WATCHMAN