Player Critique - Cricket 1922 - 2001
Cricket 1917
Lang
As Captain of the XI has shown himself a good all-rounder. His batting
this term has been very good as also his wicket-keeping. He will with
Lime become a very good batsman.
Hochstein
Is Vice-Captain of the learn und is very useful as a bowler. He is one
of the best in the team, and will by and by be a very good one. His
fielding; is also very good, his batting (is not up to the mark this
term, and leaves room for improvement.
Campbell
Has shown himself a very good bat and field. He plays a steady game and
scores well. As a fielder he has proved to himself to be very useful for
long catches and as a slips man.
Voss
Is a good bowler and a steady bat. As regards his batting he should hit
out more, as he plays too stiffly. His fielding is not so good.
Dreyer
Has shown himself a very good bowler and bat. As a bowler he is one of
the best in the team. He bats and fields well.
De Smidt
Plays a very good I game but lacks confidence. He bowl, a good bat and
is useful as a change bowler. His fielding however is not so good.
De Smidt
Is a fair bat and field. He also bowls a good ball. In time he will
become a good bat, but at present be hits out too much.
Stewart
Bowls a very good ball and is one of the best bowlers in the team. As a
slips man he is very useful. His batting however is disappointing, and
be can do better.
Playford
Has shown himself a very good bowler and a steady bat. His fielding is
also good; however, he should not try and bowl too fast, as he is
inclined to be erratic.
Brewer
Bowls a good length ball and is a moderate field. He is useful as a
hitter, but his batting could be improved.
Streak
Has shown himself a very good field indeed. His bowling is moderate, as
also is his batting
Elworthy
Is a good stone-wall, but has not bad an opportunity of showing what he
can do. His fielding is good. As yet his bowling has not been up to the
mark.
Cricket 1920
Comments on the Players.
Barbour, E. Has a useful pair of hands and promises to make a bowler,
but must learn to play the ball and not "poke."
Blacket, J. Quite a fair bat and a useful man at cover point.
Cowden, J. Has improved his batting considerably, but lost his place in
the team through slackness in the field.
De Beer. A stylish, if somewhat leisurely player. With more practice he
should make a really good bat. Showed up well behind the stumps when
occasion offered.
Dicks, R. Played himself into the 1st XL by his brilliant last wicket
partnership with Blackett in the first match against Queens, since when
he has been one of our most reliable batsmen. His fielding, however is
below 1st XL Standard.
Drake, F. A. A loquacious wicket-keeper! Has the making of a good bat if
he would only take himself seriously.
Dreyer, F. Our big hitter. But even he cannot expect to hit every ball
with impunity. In the field stops anything he can get his hands to.
Elworthy, L. Tops the batting average. His 72 against St. George's
though not faultless, was a fine effort. As a bowler he is erratic.
Hardman, J. A consistent scorer, but much too slow in the field.
Penman, D. At the beginning of the season did excellent work as captain
of the 2nd XI. When promoted to the 1st he maintained his reputation as
a trier.
Smith, J. The "find'' of the year. Second only to Swift as a clever and
energetic fielder, who loath to let the ball beat him to the boundary.
Unfortunately, it was only towards the end of the season that he
discovered he could bat.
Streak, W. At the beginning of the year was regarded as the mainstay of
our attack, but has not come up to expectations, being inclined to
sacrifice everything to pace. His determined stand in the third
Plumtree match however was one of the best things done during the
season.
Streak, F. Like his brother tries to bowl too fast. Has scored well at
times, but will never be a batsman till he adopts a more natural stance.
Swift, P. (Captain). A steady bat, an excellent change bowler and the
best fielder in the team. As a captain his chief fault is a pardonable
diffidence which prevents him making full use of his own bowling. Has
taken many wickets during the season at small expense.
1921
List of Officials.
Captain - Blackett.
Vice-Captain - Dreyer,
Hon. Secretary - Dickman.
List of Matches.
Nov 5 Senior Cadets
Nov 12 Senior Cadets
Nov 19 B.A.C. 2nd.
Nov 26 B.A.C. 2nd.
Dec 03 Raylton 2nd.
Dec 10 Raylton 2nd
Feb 18 Queen's 2nd
Feb 25 Queen's 2nd
CRICKET CHARACTERS
BLACKETT, J. (Captain) - Is apt to cramp his style as a batsman by
closing his shoulders and standing too much over the bat; he has a good
eye and has made some useful scores. As Captain, he is keen and
energetic and has shown good judgment in using his bowlers.
DREYER, F. - A good bat; he is too anxious to score quickly and is in
danger of being caught behind the wicket in his first three overs.
Played an admirable innings against Kings. He is very sound in the
field.
WOOD, W. - Has "gone off" considerably as a bat, because he relies only
on one scoring shot, a glide to leg; he must recover his forward play. A
very useful change bowler.
PEISER, G. - A safe bat with a variety of strokes. A good bowler who can
be relied upon to keep a good length and send down some quite difficult
balls; the best of which is a break turning from the middle to the off
wicket. When he changes his pace, should be careful to keep his length.
Rather slow in the slips.
THOMPSON, J. - A good first-wicket bat but is apt to play under the" off
ball"; can usually be relied on to break the bowling. His fielding is
poor and lifeless.
LEWIS, J. - A good bat who always tries to cover the ball; is inclined
to pull. A good field.
HUCKLE, R. -A careless bat; if he would be content to play himself in he
should make runs. A good bowler who should get many wickets in the
slips.
DRAKE, F. - Has much improved behind the wickets; he must learn to
exercise patience and not take the ball in front of the wickets. He
could be a good bat but thinks there is only one scoring shot, a pull.
DAVIS, H. - A poor bat; should adopt a freer style and learn to keep his
elbow up. A fair change bowler apt to pitch short.
HUCKLE, N. - A good bat, but should out more power behind his strokes;
is apt to be nervous which cramps his style. His fielding is poor.
WATTERWORTH, A. C. - Must open his shoulders more or he will never learn
to bat; at present there is no life in his efforts. A good field but apt
to slack.
1926
Hepker, V. N. (Capt.) - Very good bat, fine fielder, and now a useful
bowler. He is the mainstay of the team and is a good heady captain,
always willing to learn. The best bat the school has had in the last
three years.
Perry, C. (Vice-Capt.) - Greatly improved as a bat; very fine fielder,
and now is doing well as a wicket keeper.
Hayward, C. J. R. - Very nice left-handed bat, good fielder and bowler,
is quite an old hand now and one of the best bats the school has had in
the Iast three years.
Dugmore, B. H. - Nice bat, has bad luck this year, but that will change;
fair fielder and now a useful bowler; will be a good googly bowler with
practice.
Knight, S. J. - A much improved bat useful bowler, and a very fair
fielder.
McPhee, S. R. - A good forcing bat, good bowler and a good fielder. One
of the most useful men in the side.
Streak, C. B. - Greatly improved bat, useful leg-break bowler and good
fielder.
Charsley, J. - Has the making of a very fine bat and bowler. Very good
clean fielder; he is young and should go a very long way in the cricket
world.
Spires, W. G. - A good steady useful bat, one of the most useful bats in
the team. Fair fielder, a little stout: and finds it somewhat difficult
to bend quickly; a little P.T. will do him good,
Payne, B. M. L. - A bat who will improve and a good keen fielder.
Dicks, J. C. - A last minute inclusion in the team against Plumtree, who
thoroughly justified his selection. A good bat and fielder.
SUMMARY OF CRICKET MATCHES.
Milton versus Plumtree.
The first Cricket Match between Plumtree and Milton was played at the
Milton Grounds on December 9th, 1910. Of this and the subsequent two or
three matches we have no record.
Year Ground
Captain
We
They
Result
1912 Plumtree
J. Bester
86 & 66
100 & 60
Lost by 7 runs
1913 Milton
J. Bester
162
46 & 58
Won by innings & 60 runs
1913 Milton
C. J. van Rooyen 163
57
Won by 106 runs
1914 Plumtree
C. J. van Rooyen 180
57 & 102
Won
1914 Plumtree
C. J. van Rooyen No record of
scores
Won
1915 Plumtree
R. Child
No record of scores
Won
1916 Milton
No record of scores
Won
1916 Plumtree
H. Voss
112
12 & 62
Won by innings & 38 runs
1917 Milton
E. Lang
156 & 59
113 & 44 Won
by 48 runs
1918 Milton
E. Lang
163
68 & 66
Won by innings and 29 runs
1919 Milton
P. Swift
103 & 62
96 & 111
Lost by 42 runs
1920 Plumtree
P. Swift
41
68
Lost by 36 runs
1920 Milton
P. Swift
255
Lost by an innings
1921 Plumtree
F. Streak
74 & 14-0
58 & 30
Won by 10 wickets
1921 Milton
J. Blackett
102 & 151
188
Lost by 86 runs on 1st innings
1922 Plumtree
J. Blackett
85 & 108
183 & 211 Lost by 201
runs
1922 Milton
J. Blackett
126
163
Lost by 37 runs
1923 Plumtree
J. Lewis
No record of scores
Lost
1923 Queen's
No record of scores
Lost
1924 Plumtree
J. Thompson
92
239
Lost by 137 runs
1924 B.A.C.
J. Thompson
251 for 8
97
Won by 154 runs
1924 Milton
J. Thompson
270
232
Won by 38 runs
1925 Plumtree
A. Goldhawk
176 & 19-0
102 & 88 Won
by 10 wicket
1926 B.A.C.
A. Goldhawk
119 for 3
211
Drawn
1926 Plumtree
V. Hepker
198 & 208-4
197 & 39-3 Won by 1 run on st
innings
MATCHES PLAYED - 25
14 Won by Milton, 10 by Plumtree and 1 drawn
Cricket Critique of First XI
1949
Ault came from the Under 15 with a great reputation,
but so far has ,been unable to strike form. We hope to see many runs
from his bat next year.
Bradley is an off break bowler, who can maintain a
length and tie up the best of batsmen.
Davidson had a most successful first term as opening
batsman. He has many good shots and we expect to see many big scores
against his name .
Finch a useful No. 6, who can stop a rot or score
freely as circumstances demand. One of the best of a good fielding side.
Harris the only left-handed, batsman in the team who
lends strength to the "middle" of the batting.
James has more than fulfilled the promise he showed
last year and is now improving by leaps and bounds, but where is that
bowwling of the latter part of 1948?
Katz had an undistinguished first term but this term he
has scored many run including a magnificent century against Chaplin
Lobban a youngster who came this year from Jeppe High
School with a reputation, and judging from his bowling performances so
far is going to build up a reputation here. He bowls a fastish left-arm
ball, with lots of life from the pitch.
Micklesfield came into the side as a fast bowler but
has kept his place by the runs he has scored. He is still young and we
expect him to be a tower of strength next year.
Playford is the captain and oldest member of the terum.
His style is, as ever, perfect,and now he is more certain of his
run-getting. His bowling and fielding are of an equally high standard.
Walshe shows great promise, both as wicket-keeper and
batsman.
1951
Ault has at last fulfilled the exceptional promise be
showed in the junior teams. Two centuries against Plumtree and Guinea
Fowl have given him the confidence necessary to place him in the
forefront of si:hoolboy cricketers.
Charman has this term taken Horton's place and has
already scored a fifty. He has some good shots and an additional asset
in his ability to concentrate.
French, a left-arm bowler of distinct promise who has
had few opportunities of showing his true ability.
Hardwick bas been on the edge of the 1st XI for some
time and at the moment looks as though he might fill Davidson's place as
opener.
Horton, last year as an opening bowler and a No. 7
batsman, promised to be the best all-rounder we have bad for some time
but this year he was somewhat disappointing, though I've no doubt he
will be a good cricketer.
Israel knows all the right things to do, but has so far
failed to put them into practice. However, he is a fine fielder
especially in the slips.
Micklesfield, a tireless bowler and a brilliant
fielder, has been the mainstay of the team's attack for nearly two
years.
Oldham, one of the newcomers to the team, bowls a good
length off-break. He has been somewhat overshadowed this year but should
prove his worth next year.
Pinchen has carried a heavy responsibility in opening
the innings and bas more than justified the confidence placed in him.
Van Rooyen in his fast opening overs bas proved
invariably too good for our opponents and has so far taken over 30
wickets at an average of less than seven runs apiece. As a tailender in
the batting he has been more than useful.
Walshe is a sound captain who has, by his own example,
obtained a high standard of keenness from his team. His wicketkeepmg
deserves the highest praise. As a batsman he is a stylish player with
many good shots, though I have a feeling be might have scored more runs
if he had gone in a little lower in the batting order
Wilson after a shaky start for the 1st come into his
own next year when I look forward to his making many big scores.
1952
Brown's right arm spinners are full of guile, but so
far we have not seen them pitch. However, his flight is deceptive and
when he can combine this with length we need not worry about the lack of
other varieties of bowling.
Charman had a most disappointing term. After the good
batting last year we hoped he would be one of our best batsmen, but
somehow he could never get going.
Ferendinos had many good performances to his credit in
junior cricket and will no doubt give some equally good displays for the
1st XI. However, his fielding was good enough to estanlish a place in
the side.
Jennings sometimes opened the bowling for us. So far he
has not been successful, but at least he can bowl a consistently good
length.
Kerr was one of our best batsmen during the first term
and should be a towei: of strength to us when he returns later this
term.
ldham is a really first class off-spin bowler, who,
when he drops on to ft length. can tie up the best of batsmen. He will
make a good captain of the side.
Sandham owed much of his success to the fact that the
batsmen invariably treated him with less respect than he deserved.
Undoubtedly he is a good bowler and it is to be hoped he continues his
cricket.
Thompson is a useful all-rounder, the sort of
dependable player any captain would appreciate.
Van Aardt is the sort of player of whom one is inclined
to say, "he would be a good batsman if he were not a bowler" and just as
likely "he would be a good bowler if he made fewer runs." However, the
first term he was primarily a bowler and it may be that this term we
shall look to his batting.
Walshe is another Milton player of whom we expected to
hear great things. At last year's Nuflleld Week he was again selected to
keep wicket for the South African Schools side. Dudley Nourse, who was
one of the selectors, said of Walshe's wicket-keeping?: "Walshe is
really an outstanding wicketkeeper and in my opinion is ready for
provincial selection. There is no fuss about this boy's keeping. He is
neat, always alert, and his anticipation, especially on the leg side was
as good as I have seen since Saggers' of Australia kept wicket in this
country."
Wilson is the best batsmen of the side. and at last he
is fulfilling his early promise by scoring consistently and with a great
variety of strokes. His leg-spinners and googlies are more than useful
in a weak bowling side.
1954
Bland: Undoubtedly the best batsman in the team; has
not found his true form this year; is a brilliant fielder.
Coleman: A newcomer we welcome from Guinea Fowl, who
promises to be one of the best allrounders Milton has had for some time.
He is a useful offbreak bowler and can make runs.
Elworthy: who was in the team last year, left school
for a time and is now back again; should prove useful as an opening
batsman when he learns to concentrate.
Gibson: At No. 3 has batted well since he came into the
side near the end of the first term.
Gould: proved in his first match, against St. George's,
that he has many fine shots in his batting. Unfortunately he has never
produced the same form since.
Haresign: one of the oldest members of the side, has
been the most consistent bowler. As a batsman he can hit the ball hard
when he connects, but so often doesn't.
Jennings: now captain of the side, promises to be one
of the best we have had for some time. He is a good, steady bowler, but
should attack the stumps more.
Jones: On occasion has shown he is no mean bowler, but
at other times he has been most disappointing. He is also a useful bat.
McVey: The youngest member of the side. A left-arm
bowler who has already taken some useful wickets.
Parker: Came into the side as an opening bowler. Except
in the match against St. George's, when he took six wickets for 24 runs,
his bowling has not come up to expectations. However, he has batted well
and should prove a tremendous asset to the side next year.
Pierce: has proved his worth as an opening batsman who
is not afraid to attack the bowling. He is, perhaps, a little too
anxious to score quickly at the outset, and would do well to remember
the usefulness of an opening batsman is measured by time as well as
runs.
Walshe: A wicket-keeper and a brother of Peter Walshe,
who "kept" so brilliantly for the school a few years ago. His
wicket-keeping is improving and we expect him to be more than useful as
a batsman.
Collocott: unfortunately, has not returned to school
this term owing to illness. He was a good leg-break bowler and
improving rapidly. We wish him a speedy recovery and hope he will be
playing cricket again soon.
1960
CRITIQUE OF THE 1st XI (THIRD TERM)
S. BARBOUR (captain): A student of the game who should develop into a
shrewd captain. Very good number four bat with a wide range of shots.
Safe catch close to the wicket.
T. FRENCH (vice-captain): Attractive bat who drives well. He is weak on
the leg stump and liable to lose concentration.Very good field.
H. CAPON: Exceptionally accurate left-arm spinner and excellent field.
J. CLAYTON: Useful but unorthodox opener with a tendency to play across
the flight. Slow in the field.
A. FRENCH: Sound opening bat and good field.
N. LLOYD: Promising medium-pace bowler who is still too erratic. Fair
field.
P. McVEY: Sound wicket-keeper and useful lower order bat. Must curb his
tendency to hit across the line of flight.
R. SHEAHAN: Very promising, if impetuous, bat with a wide range of
shots. Promising offspinner and sound catch close to the wicket.
W. THOMPSON: Very good left-arm spinner with a deceptive " arm ball ".
Good field.
J. TONES: Promising opening bowler who must attack the stumps. Good
field and useful lowerorder bat.
TOWNSHEND: Very correct opener who should make many runs when he gets
more power into his shots. Slow in the field.
P. WILSON: Attractive middle-order bat who plays especially well on the
leg side. Good field and useful leg spinner.
1963
R. SPENCE (C), Full-back. A very sound player with first-class
positional play. Takes every opportunity to open up play by running, but
sometimes faulty in his judgment. Has tremendous potential as a drop
kicker but lacks confidence to use this ability.
D. PARROTT (C), Wing. A first-class player both on attack and defence,
but occasionally loses concact with his team by over-elaborate running.
J. TONES (C), Centre. Has developed very rapidly in his new position and
has become a most penetrative player. Very good on defence but has a
tendency to run across the field when on attack.
A. SMITH (S), Centre. Has proved an excellent link on attack and has
been outstanding on defence. However, lacks pace, which will retard his
development.
M. GERARDY (C), Wing. Has made tremendous strides in his all-round play.
A very determined and elusive runner with a sound defence and effective
cross kick.
A. WOLDEMAR (C), Fly-half/Centre. Captain. Has revealed outstanding
qualities of leadership. A very penetrative runner with the very
desirable quality of seldom " dying " with the ball. A very sound
defender, but his kicking, both tactically and on defence, lacks
accuracy. Should have a good future in the game as a centre.
B. EATON (C), Scrum-half. The most-improved player in the side and one
of the best to represent the School in this position. He varied his play
cleverly and was a constant menace to the opposition. Has a good future
in the game.
B. STEYN (C), Front-rank. Vice-captain. A powerful forward whose
scrummaging contributed markedly to the pack's success. His loose play
greatly improved, but he still has a tendency to " die " with the ball.
A very good place-kicker and, with further experience and practice,
could become outstanding. A good pack leader.
I. MARGOLIS (C), Hooker. A very fine striker of the ball but must
eliminate important technicalities in order to realise his undoubted
potential. Very good in the loose.
B. KINGSLEY (C), Front-rank. A greatly improved player on his last
season. A powerful scrummer and enthusiastic player in the loose, but at
times becomes over-keen and undermines his previous good work.
R. HONEY (C), Lock. An outstanding player in this position. His
scrumming, line-out work and loose play have been of a high order. With
increased pace he may well develop into a very good eighth man.
N. LLOYD (C), Lock. This year saw the fulfilment of the promise of Lloyd
as a player. He was probably without peer in his position in Rhodesian
schools. Outstanding in all facets of his game, he has great potential
as a place-kicker and he must have the confidence to develop this
ability.
L. CORBI (C), Flank/Wing. One of the finest loose forwards Milton has
produced. Very fast on to the loose ball and excellent on attack and
defence. A bewildering, elusive runner. Injury to Parrott resulted in
his moving to the wing, where he performed with equal distinction. He
scored twenty-three tnes in sixteen games.
W. FORDHAM (S), Flank. A hard-working player who gave of his best at all
times. His general play lacked in pace only. His future may well be as a
tight forward, as was evidenced by his magnificent performance in the
front row against Chaplin.
N. DAVIES (S), Flank. The youngest player in the side. He developed
markedly over the season and revealed a great ability to support the man
with the ball. Should serve Milton very well next year.
J. ANDERSON (C), Eighth man. A complete footballer but played out of
position in the best interests of the team. His lack of pace c.id not
permit him to fulfil the "raven " role of an eighth man, but in all
other facets his play was of a high order.
"C"-Colours. "S"- Cap and Scarf.
The following also represented Milton in I st XV inter-school matches:
P. Cleary, J. Wilson, W. Thompson, N. Morgan-Davies, I. Kynoch, A.
Simpson and J. Painting.
1964
E. LAUGHLIN (captain, 1964): An unpredictable and at times irresponsible
player of great ability. A forcing batsman always ready to try one
unorthodox stroke, who played exhilirating shots all round the wicket
when in full cry. A very useful leg-spinner who could be quite lethal on
a helpful wicket. A very good fielder. As a leader he was too often
governed by moods, which too frequently allowed the game to slip from
his grasp. He has a bright future if he can learn to curb his
impetuosity. (Nuffield, 1965.)
V. VON KLEMPERER (vice-captain, 1964): A hard hitting left-handed
batsman who had a lean season. A very good wicket-keeper to all types
of bowling. A strong character who had a marked influence on the younger
members. If he concentrates more on improving his batting be should go
a long way in cricketing circles.
C. RIDLEY (captain, 1965): A very sound cricketer possessed of great
natural ability, and yet keen to improve his technique at all times. A
very mature and stylish opening batsman whose forte is his drive. He has
proved to be a very accurate opening bowler who can button up batsmen
who are set and at the same time run right through a side. A good
fielder and a captain who is improving all the time, although he still
lacks confidence.
M. HAMMETT (1964-65): A very talented and stylish batsman who could make
a lot of runs, but far too frequently gets himself out just when he
looks set for a big score. He must learn to think all the time and
discipline himself at the start of an innings. An excellent slip
fielder.
A. SIMONCELLI (1964-65): A solid, jovial middleorder batsman who has
shown welcome signs of aggression this year. He is capable of making
many more runs than he is doing, once he has learnt not to be satisfied
that he has done hisjob once he has reached 20 or 30. A good fielder who
has turned into a very useful wicket-keeper this year. Must curb
tendency to snatch. A tonic for any team by virtue of his enthusiasm and
devotion to the side.
P. JONES (1964-65): Vice-captain 1965. This boy has the makings of a
very good all-round cricketer, but he must convince himself of this fact
first of all. An attacking batsman who plays his shots too stiffly, with
the result that he often doesn't quite get his foot to the ball or does
not quite get over it. A very good leg-spinner who must learn to bowl a
googly. An excellent fielder in any position.
L. GORRIE (1964): A useful medium-paced bowler who tended to bowl too
short to be really effective. A fair :fielder who must learn to
concentrate more.
I. FULLER (1964): A big, strong, cavalier cricketer who loved the game,
especially when he was able to attack. A useful stock bowler, a
hard-hitting number eight batsman and a fair out-fielder.
J. HARGROVE (1964): An admirable trier who was an excellent example to
the younger members of the side. A useful medium-paced bowler and a keen
fielder.
J. DAY (1964): A stylish batsman who is capable of making many runs. An
excellent out-fielder.
R. WRIGHT (1964): A tenacious player, unfortunately disabled for a
large part of the season with a broken arm. A useful batsman and keen
fielder.
C. MARKS (1964-65): One of the younger members of last year's side. He
has improved.with every game and is now a recognised 1st XI player. A
good, hard-hitting batsman who must remember to be balanced when playing
his shots. A very useful leg-spinner who turns the ball very sharply. A
good fielder.
B. BITTER (1964-65): The most-improved player in the side. A most mature
and responsible batsman who has saved the side from embarrassing
situations on several occasions. A very good fielder close to the
wicket and a useful wicket-keeper in an emergency.
N. GORDON (1964-65): He has confidence in his ability now, and has
improved considerably as a result. A solid opening batsman who drives
and cuts well, if not always along the ground. A safe fielder.
A. WEATHERDON (1965): An attractive, attacking batsman who drives and
pulls very well. Could improve his defence, where he tends to be a
little casual. A very good fielder.
G. YEOMAN (1965): A very useful all-rounder who lacks confidence. As a
batsman he should play his normal attacking game. As an off-spinner he
tends to bowl too short when he comes under punishment. A good fielder.
P. CAPON (1965): A very useful opening bowler who has improved
considerably this year. Must try to vary his deliveries more. A good
:fielder and a useful defender with the bat.
G. GOOCH (1965): A keen, energetic player. A very good fielder with a
powerful throw. Useful lowerorder batsman who tends to play back too
much, however.
1966
C. RIDLEY. (Captain). Colours 1965 (re-award). A
conscientious captain who improved as the season progressed. His major
weakness was probably his reluctance to experiment and throw everything
into an all-out attack at the expense of a few runs. A reliable opening
batsman, he possessed all the strokes but drove and cut particularly
well. He was at his best against a seam attack, where his relaxed drives
often brought numerous boundaries. A steady seam bowler who was very
accurate, he sometimes tended to bowl in too orthodox a fashion when a
variation in his deliveries could have brought success. He was both a
keen and good fielder with an accurate return; the unfortunate arm
injury before the Nuffield Trials robbed him of the chance to win a
place in the Rhodesian side.
P. JONES. (Vice-captain). Colours 1965; captain 1966.
He revealed considerably more of his talent in the third term of 1965
and the first term of this year. He is a born cricketer who will do
extremely well if he applies himself to the full. Jones is a very good
leg-spin bowler who pushes the ball very quickly through the air, and is
thus difficult to play when he pitches on a length. He has a tendency to
bowl too short at the beginning of a spell, but has varied his attack to
great advantage by the introduction of a top-spinner, a googly and a
quicker delivery. As a batsman he drives and cuts confidently, but is
liable to play his shots too stiffly or casually, with the result that
he does lift the ball unnecessarily on occasion. He is a fine cover
fielder who possesses a lovely return to the wicket. As a captain he is
developing but Jacks confidence and tends to shuffle his attack and his
field haphazardly. A Nuffield trialist in 1965, he came very close to
selection and so stands a very good chance this year.
M. HAMMETT. Colours 1965; Nuffield Trials 1965. A
talented stroke player, he applied himself far better in the third term
of 1965, with the result that he scored consistently. If he can once
attain full maturity in his approach to the game, he possesses talent
and strokes in abundance to enable him to score many runs. He is a
useful seam bowler as well as a very safe slip fielder who took some
very difficult catches in the most nonchalant fashion.
A. SIMONCELLI. Colours 1965. A tonic to any side, even
when he was experiencing the worst of bad fortunes. An ebullient
character who could do well with the bat if he developed a controlled,
aggressive approach. He kept wicket more than adequately, and was a
constant source of good humour and encouragement for his team mates.
N. GORDON. As an opening batsman he lacks the
confidence to do really well. He drives well on occasion but often
chooses the wrong ball or else fails to get his foot right to the pitch
of delivery. In defence he is suspect to the really fast delivery
because he is reluctant to move his feet quickly into line. A fair seam
bowler but one who consistently tends to bowl too short. He is a safe
fielder with good hands and an accurate return to the wicket.
B. BITTER. Vice-captain, 1966. Much in the mould of
Simoncelli, Bitter is a good boy to have in the side. He is a very good
opening or middle-order batsman who hits the ball hard both in front and
behind the wicket. His one weakness is to pull away from the shot when
he is cutting a short delivery square of the wicket. A very good fielder
close to the wicket, he has developed into a more than average 'keeper.
He will do well as he has the right temperament and plays his best
cricket when under pressure.
C. MARKS. At last he seems to be getting over his
tendency to play his shots too stiffly and too straight to the bowler.
Hits the ball very hard, especially on the leg side. A very useful
leg-spin bowler, he bowls to a deceptively good length arid turns the
ball sharply. A good fielder, preferably close to the wicket.
G. YEOMAN. A very accurate and steady off-spinner who
has introduced considerable variation into his repertoire this year with
marked success. A useful lower-order batsman, he is inclined to play
forward automatically, regardless of the length of the ball. A very good
fielder with a fast return.
T. WEATHERDON. A very talented, elegant middle order
batsman who will make a lot of runs once he has curbed his innate desire
to hit the ball right from the start of his innings. He possesses all
the shots but has a tendency to lean back from his drives and thus. to
scoop up the ball. He must have confidence in his undoubted ability, and
learn to treat each delivery on its individual merits.
P. CAPON. A very useful fast seam bowler who could do
very well if he could conjure up a more aggressive approach when
bowling. He can hold up one end effectively in an emergency, but has few
scoring strokes. A good fielder, preferably in the deep, where he
catches and throws well.
K. BARBOUR. A determined and extremely keen
middle-order batsman who has introduced an aggressive approach to his
batting this year. He drives well but is liable to lose his wicket too
frequently by trying to attack the wrong ball. A keen, energetic
fielder, especially reliable near to the wicket.
G. GOOCH. A reliable lower-order batsman who has proved
his rather unorthodox technique effectively on occasion. A fine
outfielder with a fast, accurate return to the wicket.
A. ROGERS. A very useful all-rounder who unfortunately
has played only in the first term of this year, when he proved himself
of inestimable worth to the team in every sphere. A good, attacking
batsman who plays confidently all round the wicket and is especially
reliable in difficult circumstances. An above-average seam bowler, he
has taken some very important wickets. He is a good fielder in any
position.
R. WHILEY. An acquisition from St. Stephen's College,
he has made a lot of runs this year through his aggressive if unorthodox
approach to batting. He hits the ball tremendously hard, though too
often with a cross-batted shot. A very good fielder in any position.
G. KER. A disappointing middle-order batsman who has
not yet realised his early promise. He seems to have lost all confidence
in his ability to make runs, and plays all his shots in an awkward,
stooped fashion, often with the free swing of his bat hampered by his
front pad. Once he has overcome this bad patch I am sure he will make
many runs. A good fielder.
H. VAN DER MERWE. A very talented leg-spinner who bowls
a prodigious googly but who probably gives the ball a bit too much air,
thus enabling the batsman to use his feet successfully. As a
hard-hitting lower-order batsman he has saved the side on more than one
occasion. A very good close-to-the-wicket fieldsman.
1967
B. BITTER: (Captain; Colours, 1966-67): A very shrewd
captain who won the support of the entire side. A brilliant cover
fielder with an excellent return, and a useful wicket-keeper in an
emergency. A determined batsman who cuts and hooks well, but at the
moment is experiencing a bad spell where he is unable to cope with seam
bowlers who bowl at full length.
G. YEOMAN: (Colours, 1966-67): An excellent cover
fielder who fields and returns swiftly and well. A very good off-spinner
who could introduce more variation of flight with his deliveries. A much
improved middle-order batsman whose forte is his drive. The best
all-rounder in the side.
C. MARKS: (Vice-captain): A useful all-rounder. As a
batsman he hits the ball hard and can tear a mediocre attack to ribbons.
Tends to play the ball with an open chest, which hampers his timing. A
real spinner of the ball who turns the ball prodigiously from the leg,
and bowls a good googly. A very safe fielder.
A. WEATHERDON: Probably the most talented batsman in
the side, he plays beautiful attacking cricket when he is in full
stride; and technically he possesses a faultless defence. Impatience,
however, often results in his early dismissal. A good fielder.
K. BARBOUR: A determined middle-order batsman who,
despite his size, can hit the ball extremely hard. Tends to lose his
wicket by trying to loft his drives too much. A much-improved
wicketkeeper who has largely eradicated his tendency to scratch at the
ball.
P. STEWART: A very useful all-rounder. A brilliant deep
fielder with a magnificent return. A stylish middle-order batsman who
loves to drive, but sometimes does so too arrogantly to ensure crisp
timing. An apparently innocuous seamer who takes a lot of wickets.
F. SIMPSON: A lively, enthusiastic seamer who lacks
real pace but can prove useful because of his accuracy, and his
occasional ability to make the ball move away from the bat. A safe
fielder.
T. LAPHAM: A tenacious opening batsman possessed of
unlimited patience. Technically very sound, he needs to introduce more
power into his shots. A fair fielder.
W. SKILLICORN: A very useful if rather adventurous
opening batsman who drives well. He must learn to keep over his shots
instead of holding back his weight. A fair fielder.
G. RADLEY: A stylish batsman who should make far more
runs than he does. Needs to apply himself more determinedly and
consistently. A fairly good fielder.
A. MCCALLUM: A very promising young all rounder. A
talented left-handed batsman who will do well in future, as he has all
his shots and the right temperament. An intelligent left-arm seamer, he
varies his deliveries well. A fair fielder.
S. VERSFELD: An enthusiastic seam bowler who still
lacks real pace and tends to bowl too short. His accuracy is his chief
attribute. A useful lower-order batsman and safe fielder. He will prove
a tower of strength to Milton in the next few years.
1968
B. BITTER: (captain): A shrewd, enthusiastic leader who
played attacking cricket at all times and set a fine example both on and
off the field. The success of the team is due largely to Bitter. As a
batsman he overcame a rather clumsy forward defensive shot which had
ensured a lean first term, and he batted responsibly and well throughout
the third term. Possessed of a quick eye and good feet, he cut and
hooked particularly well. In full stride he stroked the ball beautifully
(his innings at Falcon being a real gem) and a feature of his batting
was his excellent running between the wickets. A magnificent out-fielder
with a fast, accurate return. A useful leg-spinner.
C. MARKS: (vice-captain): A talented all-rounder who
never really fulfilled his early promise. A guileful leg-spinner who
flighted the ball well and could make it turn appreciably on any wicket.
He was inclined to over-pitch and prove expensive when faced by a
batsman capable of using his feet. A hard-hitting batsman, devastating
against slow bowling, but rather awkward against fast bowling. A very
safe slip fielder.
G. YEOMAN: An exceptionally capable all rounder who
will go far with the necessary dedication. An extremely tidy, attacking
off-spinner who bowled consistently well against all opposition. A
fluent stroke player who suffered from a complete lack of confidence in
the third term. An excellent out-fielder possessed of great pace,
co-ordination and a fine return.
A. WEATHERDON: An impetuous and dynamic batsman who
will score a lot more runs once he has matured fully. Probably the
finest stroke player in the side, he sacrificed his wicket far too
frequently with indiscreet batting. A good fielder and useful stock
bowler.
K. BARBOUR: A plucky cricketer who owes a large measure
of his success to a big heart, a cheerful disposition and honest
application. A hard-hitting, unorthodox batsman, at his best when the
going is tough. A useful wicket-keeper who erred through an excess of
enthusiasm.
A. McCALLUM: A very talented all-rounder who will do
well when he acknowledges the fact that consistent success demands
application as well as talent. A fluent left-handed batsman who drives
particularly well. A useful left-arm seamer who reduces his
effectiveness by halting in his delivery stride. His fielding has often
left a lot to be desired.
G. RADLEY: A fluent stroke player who revealed his
ability last term after a long period in the doldrums. A very good
fielder despite his ungainly approach to the ball. Essentially a hard
wicket player, he must curb his casual swing on soft wickets if he is to
do well regularly.
F. SIMPSON: A lively and hard-working right-arm seamer
who bowled a good off-cutter and slower ball. A courageous rather than
talented batsman who revealed sound common sense on occasions when the
more illustrious players had failed. A keen fielder with a hard return.
J. LAPHAM: A sound, determined opening batsman,
possessed of a fool-proof technique. He bats courageously on difficult
wickets and against good bowling, but must learn to hit the loose ball a
lot harder and more frequently if he is to increase his rate of scoring.
A useful seam bowler and good fielder.
W. SKILLICORN: (captain, 1968): A thoughtful,
undemonstrative captain who is improving all the time. A useful
right-hand batsman who can hit the ball well on occasions, but loses his
wicket far too often through early attempts to drive the wrong ball. An
excellent out-fielder.
S. VERSFELD: A hard-working seam bowler who has
developed more fire this year. Still inclined to bowl too consistently
on a full length. A solid right-hand batsman who will achieve a lot more
success once he has developed confidence in his ability. A fair fielder.
P. STEWART: A complete cricketer who has the confidence
and ability to do very well. A hard-hitting, fluent right-hand batsman
reminiscent of Dexter with his imperious, thumping drives and pulls. A
useful seam bowler who achieved considerable success through bowling to
a consistent length and some intelligent tactical thinking. An excellent
out-fielder whose returns to the wicket were forever outstanding.
Scorer: K. Louw.
1969
W. SKILLICORN (captain). An unfortunate illness
handicapped Skillicorn's developing to his full potential. His batting
became careless and irresponsible, and far too frequently he lost his
wicket through an indiscreet shot. Possessed of a powerful drive, he
attempted to play an attacking game at all times, which was not always
possible. His back-foot play in particular, and his defence in general
was suspect. His fielding never attained the heights of 1967, although
his catching and throwing were still of a high order. He improved a
great deal as a captain who suffered because he lacked the talent under
him to implement his attacking ideas. He set a good example at all
times, and the final defeat of Hamilton after a rather miserable season
must be largely attributed to Skillicorn.
A. McCALLUM (captain, 1969). Probably the most talented
all-rounder in the side, he never lived up to our high expectations of
him. After a most impressive season in 1967, he found that the strain of
being one of the senior players upon whom the junior members relied to
do consistently well was too much for him. His batting is full of
fluent stroke play but he is inclined to chase the loose ball and
attempt the hook too soon. He was perhaps unfortunate not to take more
wickets. However, he must learn not to pause in the delivery stride and
to vary the angle of delivery. As a fielder he was often too casual. He
captained quite well but tended to be unimaginative with regard to
bowling changes. I am sure that he now realises what is required of him,
and that the hope placed in his very great natural ability will not be
frustrated again next term.
J. LAPHAM (Colours, 1968). A determined batsman, he
still lacked the confidence to turn defence into attack once he was
settled. His hooking and cutting were of a high order, and his forward
defensive stroke was the most efficient I have seen. Once he has added
power to his shots, and convinced himself of his ability to dominate an
attack, I am sure he will do well. His fielding was always of a high
standard, and he developed into a naggingly consistent medium-paced seam
bowler.
G. LOW (vice-captain, 1969). A conscientious and
orthodox opening batsman who takes his time settling down. Unfurled by
near disasters, he plays each delivery on merit. Must learn to dispatch
loose deliveries with more power, and improve his running between the
wickets. A fair fielder who must practise hard to develop his confidence
in this department. He proved competent as a stand-in captain.
R. BULL. An aggressive opening batsman who takes the
game seriously. A pacy seam bowler who gets a good kick off the wicket.
An energetic and capable close-to-the-wicket fielder. He will be sorely
missed next term as his sensible attitude has proved invaluable to the
side when it is in difficulty.
B. BARBOUR. A talented left-handed batsman, he will do
well once he has curbed his tendency to hit across the flight, using too
much left hand. He hooks very well but his driving on the off-side is
suspect. He too must learn to play himself in before attempting his
attacking shots to every delivery. A good fielder in any position who
catches and throws well.
A. WOOD. The most improved player in the side.
Enthusiastic and conscientious, his bowling has improved out of all
recognition. A most lively seam bowler, he moves the ball in to the
batsman disconcertingly and extracts considerable life from the wicket.
His performance against Plumtree is highly commendable. A keen if
somewhat ungainly lower-order batsman, and a lively fielder.
K. BOYD. A steady, reliable bat who carefully selects
the ball to hit. His wicket-keeping is improving although he could be
more snappy in whipping off the bails. He keeps an intelligent eye on
the run of the game.
S. VERSFELD. A stout-hearted, tireless medium paced
bowler, he unfortunately lacks the bite off the wicket, but is very
accurate. A responsible, patient batsman who stopped the rot on a few
occasions, he has a limited choice of shots and still lacks confidence.
A fairly good fielder.
C. GRIMMER. A useful, hard-hitting lower-order batsman.
Inclined to pull away from the fast bowlers, he bits the spinners well
when he gets his eye in. He must really apply himself and tighten up his
technique if he is to succeed regularly. Weak fielder.
A. BAILEY. A talented all-rounder whose leg-spin
bowling could prove very effective if he worked hard to tighten up his
length and direction. Used sparingly, he always gets wickets
surprisingly inexpensively. He turns the ball appreciably both ways and
possesses a deceptive flight. A useful bat who wastes no time, and a
good fielder. Hard work and concentration will make Bailey a very good
cricketer.
A. BOSCH. He should settle down and score a lot of
runs. A big hitter, he has yet to learn to choose the right ball to hit
hard. Slow in the field, and must improve in this department.
H. PARKER. A useful off-spinner also sparingly used. He
turns the ball well but takes some time to settle down to a good length.
He allows his delivery arm to drop, thus reducing the effectiveness of
flight and bite. Should use the crease more and increase his repertoire.
Fields well but lacks confidence with the bat.
POWELL. A very good left-arm spinner who always
troubled the batsmen. We were sorry to lose him half-way through the
season.
Also played in 1968: D. SACHS and K. DENYER.
1970
B. BARBOUR (Captain), Colours 1969 /70; Nuffield 1969:
Probably the most prolific run scorer Milton has produced since Colin
Bland. An attacking left hander, full of confidence, who hits the ball
with devastating power, particularly square of the wicket. A good
fielder and competent captain. I predict a great future for him as a
cricketer.
A. McCALLUM (Vice-Captain), Colours 1970:
At last he is revealing his undoubted all-round ability. A fluent
left-handed batsman who likes to go for his shots. A very accurate,
intelligent left arm spinner. A good fielder. He should be a serious
contender for the Nuffield side this year.
S. VERSFELD, 1969 /70:
A hard-working, steady right arm medium pacer. His batting is now
producing runs, more as a result of determination and persevering
concentration than through dazzling stroke play. A fair fielder.
I. LOUW, 1969/70:
Disappointing as a left arm spinner as he tends to rush his deliveries
without prior consideration of what he is going to bowl. An unorthodox
opening batsman, he possesses a good eye, and has proved most effective.
Runs well between wickets. A keen fielder.
A. BOSCH, 1969/70:
A solid batsman whose sound technique must lead to him scoring many runs
in the future. Lacks confidence. A fair off-spinner and much improved
fielder.
C. GRIMMER, 1969:
A stylish batsman who flowered impressively near the end of the year as
an attractive and consistent run getter. Bowled nastily lifting
off-cutters at a brisk pace. Good fielder.
A. BAILEY, 1969:
He never lived up to expectations with bat and ball. Has ability as a
leg spinner, but never worked hard enough to succeed consistently.
A. WOOD, Colours 1969:
A lively, enthusiastic opening bowler who could produce some hostile
deliveries on his day. His consistent application warranted his
undoubted success. A stylish front-foot player to all but the pace
bowlers. A zestful fielder.
G. LOW, 1969:
He proved inconsistent as an opening batsman, where his awkward grip and
technique often proved his undoing. A determined player, he was at his
best in a crisis. A good fielder.
H. PARKER, 1969:
A gifted off-spinner, who will do well once he has developed more
confidence and can bowl a consistent length.
K. BOYD, 1969:
Lapses in concentration spoiled his performance as a wicket keeper. His
batting too was unpredictable, although like Low, he was a good man to
have when the going was tough.
A. MINTER-BROWN, Colours 1970:
A tall, hostile scam bowler, who has performed consistently well. His
batting lacks application. An excellent fielder. He should prove
difficult to omit from a Nuffield side.
P. BULL, 1970:
On his day, he could prove a good keeper. An attacking batsman who will
score well once he has learned to play himself in.
A. BLAYLOCK, 1970
A determined left-handed batsman who played some valuable rearguard
innings. A fair seam bowler.
G. WEEDEN, 1970:
He needs to speed up his footwork if he is to make runs at 1st XI level.
M. KRETZMER, 1970:
A solid young batsman who promises well for next year. Good fielder.
R. McCALLUM, 1970:
A keen, correct batsman who should make runs once he has introduced more
power into his shots.
I. AULT, 1970:
Never revealed his true ability as an opening bowler for his lovely
rhythmical action and late movement in the air and off the wicket should
ensure a top class performance. Needs to develop a more determined,
aggressive attitude. Poor fielder.
R. WOOD, 1970:
A lively scam bowler who could put more height and whip into his action.
A useful tail-end batsman.
1969/70 saw a renaissance in Milton's cricket prowess, and the maturing
of several fine players. The most striking aspect of the 1st XI
performances has been the unbelievably regular high scoring of Barbour,
who has reduced almost every attack in the country to tatters. Supported
by Grimmer in 1969, and Versfeld, McCallum, Louw and Bull in 1970, he
has ensured consistently high totals. Wood bowled very well in 1969, and
both Minter-Brown and McCallum have proved towers of strength in 1970.
1971
B. BARBOUR. (Nuffield 1969; 1970; Matabeleland 1971;
Colours I 969, 1970, 1971). An exciting, aggressive left hander who has
shown a preference for opening the batting. Picks up the flight of the
ball very early. Hooks and cuts powerfully, although he still tends to
cut too adventurously. Has largely overcome his hesitant footwork in
defence. A brilliant fielder in any position and competent captain. I
predict a great cricketing future for him; and I only hope his cartilage
trouble is not as serious as some people fear.
A. McCALLUM. (Nuffield reserve 1970; Colours 1970,
1971). A most mature, talented all-rounder. Responsible left-handed
batsman, solid in defence, but drives well on attack, if rather
uppishly. A shrewd left arm spinner who bowls on a consistently good
line and
possesses a lethal arm ball. Accomplished fielder, especially close to
the wicket. He was very unlucky not to make last year's Nuffield side,
and could be a likely selection this year.
A. MINTER-BROWN. (Nuffield 1970; Colours 1970). A
dynamic, athletic cricketer who bowls, bats and fields aggressively. A
hostile seam bowler, he uses his height to make the ball rear awkwardly.
A hard-hitting lower order batsman, capable of transforming the game in
the space of a few overs. Brilliant fielder with a sizzling return.
S. VERSFELD. (Colours 1970). A most valuable member of
the side, at his best when the side is down. A tenacious, responsible
batsman who cuts well and defends with determination. An accurate,
intelligent seam bowler who varies his deliveries cleverly. Bowls a good
away swinger. Competent outfielder.
I. AULT. (Colours 1970, 1971). A pacy opening bowler,
his deliveries are always fast and accurate, but he has lost some of his
former ability to v move the ball either way in the air. On his day, he
is hostile and really fast, but must strive for greater consistency. A
useful lower order "hitter", and a much improved fielder with a swift
return.
P. BULL. A much improved right hand batsman whose
straight back lift should ensure that he makes a lot of runs, He is
somewhat irresponsible early in his innings at times; and has a tendency
to walk after his shots off the front foot to spin bowlers. Should pay
more attention to his running between wickets. His wicket-keeping also
suffers from lapses in concentration; and he should practise hard at
improving his footwork if he is to stand a chance of Nuffield selection.
G. WEEDEN. A jovial, confident cricketer, his increased
mobility has resulted in good all-round performances. A tonic to the
side, he has the right belligerent attitude to revered opponents to
bolster his side's confidence. Although his footwork is sluggish, he
hits the ball with prodigious power. An underestimated seam bowler, his
tally of wickets bears testimony to the quality of his accurate medium
paced deliveries. He has safe hands and often frightens his opponents
from taking a quick single more by his pugnacious attitude than his
speed in retrieving.
I. LOUW. He has lost confidence this year, and his
incorrect back lift has landed him in trouble repeatedly. He will have
to work hard to eradicate this fault in his technique if he hopes to
score runs regularly. A fair left arm spinner who could inject more bite
into deliveries. Fair fielder.
A. BLAYLOCK. A tenacious left-handed batsman who has
introduced a measure of aggression into his stroke-play this year. He is
a useful player of quick bowling, especially when the side is under
pressure. A fair left-arm seam bowler who moves the ball away in the
air, but lacks consistent length and direction. Has potential here and
should apply himself to tightening up on these aspects. A fair fielder
who is inclined to lapses in concentration.
A. BOSCH. Unfortunately an injury has curtailed his
appearances this year. A solid, correct batsman who will score runs once
he has regained his confidence. An accurate medium paced bowler and fair
fielder.
R. McCALLUM. A correct right-handed batsman, he lacks
confidence and his shots still lack power. He makes too many mistakes
through hesitant stroke-play. A useful accurate seam-bowler.
D. ALLMAN. A hard-hitting right- handed batsman, he
should do well once he learns to play himself in before attacking; and
once he learns to play each delivery according to its merit. An improved
fielder.
S. PARKIN. A promising off-spinner who varies his
flight intelligently. Possesses the right temperament, and should do
well with greater experience. A correct batsman, whose lack of height
limits his scoring potential. Fair fielder.
A. SZEFIEL. A right-handed batsman with a sound
technique, he should do well with more experience. Fair fielder.
Also played: K. Court, M. Kretzmer, M. Einhorn.
1972
We are very pleased to see our skipper of 1970, Brian Barbour, doing so
well for the Rhodesian Currie Cup side (Nuffield 1971; Colours 1970;
71).
A. McCallum: (Captain 1971): After the departure of
Barbour he seemed to grow in stature with every game. A mature, thinking
cricketer, he developed into a fine tactician: proved the most astute
leader at Nuffield Trials, and was rewarded with an appointment as vice
captain of the Rhodesian Nuffield side. His bowling was tidy, but was
never sufficiently penetrative to push him into the front line. As a
batsman, his dedicated application ensured success, and he revealed a
sound technique and eliminated a number of faults that had plagued his
batting in the past. His drives stayed on the ground; his hook left him
balanced; and his cutting was more controlled. Altogether a most
accomplished player in any circumstances. As a fielder, he was
outstanding, particularly close to the wicket where his uncanny
anticipation was invaluable.
I. Ault: (Colours 1970; 71: Nuffield 1971): Always a
pacy bowler, he developed the killer instinct, and a lethal bouncer
added variety to his repertoire. Speed was his major weapon, and he
seemed assured of a S.A. Schools cap until he broke down. Bowled in
shorter spells he proved more effective, but was always essentially a
new ball bowler, whose pace, accuracy and movement off the wicket made
him difficult to play especially on a hard fast wicket. His batting
developed as he acquired confidence and some of his elegant drives were
the envy of the team. A good fielder who caught and threw very well.
G. Weeden: (Colours 1972): Aggressive, powerful
cricketer. Extremely valuable member of the team who has the ability to
rise to the occasion. Could be very good if he applied himself, but
suffers from a light temperament and poor footwork. Sound defence, but
weight distribution is lazy, so tends to hit across the flight. Very
deceptive seamer who moves the ball both ways and gains considerable
pace off the wicket. Safe slip fielder, although inclined to lapses in
concentration.
A. Bosch: (Vice Captain 1971): A good solid aggressive
batsman who hit the ball with unbelievable power on his day. Always at
his best when he ignored the situation and played each ball on merit. A
superb driver, he also possessed a fierce short-arm pull which
frightened many a mid-wicket fielder. A useful seam bowler and competent
fielder.
P. Bull: An elegant number three batsman, his
confidence deserted him and he convinced himself that he could not make
runs. Primarily a back foot player, he often lost his wicket early by
attempting to hook the wrong ball or flashing outside the line of the
stumps without the necessary footwork. Bull batted best on a quick
wicket when his keen eye and deft guiding shots served him admirably.
His keeping deteriorated through lack of concentration, but his fielding
was usually keen and safe.
I. Louw: An unorthodox grip made opening the innings
difficult and he often found himself in trouble against the moving ball.
He cut and hooked well, but usually failed to get properly into
position. A good fielder and alluring spin bowler, Louw has proved a
magnificent team man for three years now.
M. Einhorn: (Captain 1972): Very correct right hand
batsman. Sound defence. Has potential to make many runs, but must
overcome initial nervousness. Tends to be impatient when tied down. A
very good fielder in any position. Developed into a captain who thought
deeply about the game.
R. McCallum: (Vice Captain 1972): Right hand batsman,
opening bowler. Batting has improved with confidence. Solid on defence,
but tends to drive uppishly. Must curb an impulse to hook and cut early
in the innings. Accurate seamer who bowls a steady line and waits for
the bats· man to make the mistake. Good fielder.
A. Blaylock: Has lacked application this year. Left
hand opening batsman who cuts and drives well. Weak on the legs and the
back foot. Good fielder, but lacks concentration.
A. Szeftel: A much improved right hand batsman. Shaky
on defence, but is very strong on the drive. Will show more consistency
and make many more runs if he works on improving his defence - could be
tighter and more determined, particularly on the back foot. A useful,
accurate seam-bowler and competent fielder, usually in the slips.
T. Harris: A quiet, hardworking wicketkeeper. Very safe
against fast bowling, but needs to quicken up around the wicket for the
slow bowlers. Could generate more response from the fielders. Has the
ability to be a good low-order batsman, but must overcome a tendency to
hit lofted shots against the flight. Needs to improve footwork.
M. Kretzmer: A correct right hand opening batsman. Has
a limited range of shots, but has proved very effective within his
limitations and shown a tremendous determination to remain at the
crease. Should pay more attention to running between the wickets.
Reasonable fielder. Shows potential as a leg spin bowler.
N. Moore: A really pacy opening bowler who can be
extremely hostile when he wants to be. Must overcome a tendency to bowl
down the leg-side. Could use the crease much better. Has the ability to
be a more than useful middle-order batsman, but must get rid of his
image as a 'hitter.' Competent fielder.
P. Einhorn: A determined right hand batsman, with a
limited range of strokes. Weak outside the off-stump. Must work to
eradicate a habit of lofting his drives. Sound fielder with a good
throw.
S. Parkin: Promised well as an off-spin bowler, but
must work much harder. Good flight although not tight enough. Uses
crease well, but needs to be more aggressive and this will only come
with confidence and sustained work. Useful low order batsman. Lacks
concentration while fielding. Nuffield potential.
N. Potter: Right-arm seam bowler. Shows potential, but
bowls off too long a run. Very good fielder with an extremely good
throw.
Also played - A. Lawson and S. Jackson.
1973
M. Einhorn: (Captain 1972): Extremely correct
right-hand batsman with a solid defence. Overcame initial nervousness
and gained confidence. Made some very determined runs at a time when it
really mattered. Unfortunately, fielding deteriorated, but bowled
occasionally with some success. Developed steadily as a captain who was
especially successful with off-the-field duties.
R. McCallum: (Vice-Captain 1972): Right-hand batsman,
opening bowler. Batting did not mature during the third term, largely
due to a tendency to hit the ball in the air too soon. Must curb impulse
to flick on the leg-side. Bowled a very tidy line and was extremely
unlucky not to get more wickets. Fielding was always steady. As a vice
captain was always thinking about the game and gave sound advice.
G. Weeden: (Colours 1972): Extremely useful all-rounder
- hard-hitting batsman and seam bowler. Did not participate fully in
third term because of injuries. Selected Matabeleland Nuffield XI, 1972,
and had he been fully fit could possibly have made one of the Rhodesian
Nuffield sides.
A. Blaylock: Left-hand opening batsman who. at last,
made the runs of which he was capable, More determined in approach and
improved back foot play. Beautiful cut. Must overcome tendency to doze
in the field. Quick, if inaccurate, left-arm bowler.
T. Harris: Sound, if not polished, wicketkeeper.
Selected for Matabeleland Nuffield XI, 1972. Good against fast bowling
but not quick enough for the spin attack to be really effective. Was
able to make the fielding look good. Batting deteriorated through a
lack of confidence and the inability to discipline himself. Too many
shots played in the air.
N. Potter: Seam bowler. Does not achieve enough
movement either through the air or off the pitch. Bowls off too long a
run. Batsman of limited ability. On his day can be an extremely fine
fielder although his form deteriorated towards the end of the season.
A. Harris: Middle-order batsman, seam bowler.
Potentially a good all rounder but does not work hard enough at his
game. As a batsman, plays too far away from the body and defence is
suspect, particularly on the back foot. Useful player to have because he
plays each ball on merit - good under pressure. Useful medium pace
bowler, moving it both ways, who bowls the occasional extremely good
ball. Reliable fielder.
A. Szeftel: (Captain, 1973; Colours, 1973): An elegant
number 3 batsman and seam bowler. A very useful all-rounder who seldom
comes out of a match without some success. As a batsman, hits the ball
very hard but must overcome a tendency to do this too early in an
innings. Improved defence. Seam bowler who always achieves some
movement, either through the air or off the pitch. Developed into a fine
slip fielder. A captain who gains the most from his players largely
leading by personal example.
S. Parkin: (Vice-Captain, 1973): Off-spin bowler,
lower-order batsman. Temperament improved and so did his cricket. Could
be a very good off spinner - uses the crease well and varies the flight.
Must continue to work hard at his bowing. Batting also improved with
determination. Tendency to hit in the air too soon. Average fielder.
N. Moore: Opening bowler and lower-order batsman.
Showed tremendous improvement in temperament this season and
consequently his cricket benefited. Very quick and hostile fast bowler
who is beginning to think more about his approach to the game. Is
developing the killer instinct required to take a crop of wickets. Moves
the ball both through the air and off the wicket. Batting has improved
with confidence, hitting the ball with tremendous power. Tendency to
doze while fielding, especially in the slips. Nuffield potential.
N. Bashall: Opening batsman and leg-spin bowler. Very
stiff batsman with a limited range of shots. Normally determined to stay
in but lost confidence towards the end of the season. Has the ability to
be a more than useful batsman. Developed considerably as a leg-spin
bowler once the delivery arm was straightened. Shows great potential in
this department. Lacks concentration as a fielder.
P. Einhorn: Middle-order batsman, wicketkeeper. Works
hard in both departments although lacks a range of shots while batting.
Good fielder and shows potential as a seam bowler. Did not play last
term because of injury.
D. McLaughlin: Has the potential to be a very good
batsman. Needs to tighten up on defence and work for his runs. Must
overcome a tendency to hit in the air early in an innings. Plays too
much on the back foot but has a glorious cover drive when he does move
forward. Average fielder with a weak throw.
T. Watson: Gained in confidence as the season
progressed. Hard-working batsman who grafts for his runs. Needs to
improve defence, particularly on the back foot. Made some very useful
runs when the team was in trouble. Shows potential as a seam bowler and
must work at this aspect of his game. Good fielder.
E. Layard: A determined, right-hand batsman with a
limited range of strokes. Weak on the leg stump. Must work hard to
improve his driving. More than adequate wicket-keeper. Steady fielder
with a good throw.
S. Jackson: Left-arm bowler with considerable movement
through the air. Improved during the season but must work to maintain
accuracy. Gutsy batsman of limited ability who hits the ball hard on his
day. Good fielder.
P. Elkington: Right-hand batsman and bowler. Hits the
ball hard although across the line and tends to loft. Can be very useful
once he gets going. Must work hard to establish his innings. Shows
potential both as a seam bowler and off spinner. Very useful member of
any side. Fielding can be improved. Should do well next season.
S. Cunningham: Promises to be a very good seam bowler
with the ability to cut the ball both ways off the wicket. However, at
the moment has trouble with the run-up, length and direction and these
problems must be overcome if he is to fulfil his real potential.
C. Robinson: Off-spinner and right-hand batsman. Bowls
a tidy line without achieving much turn. Needs to improve his use of the
crease and vary the flight of the ball more. Very stiff batsman who must
work at improving his range of shots.
Also played: D. Bosch, C. Parkin, D. Bruschi and
M. Kretzmer.
1978
Smith L. Captain, Opening Bowler and Right-Hand Bat: A
determined player where captaincy improved with every game. Bowled
aggressively and effectively once he had corrected his run-up. Had
little success with the bat.
Kennedy M. Vice-Captain, Right-Hand Bat and Medium Pace
Bowler: An enthusiastic player who did not realise his potential with
the bat. Was often out early trying to force the pace before playing
himself in. Was a useful charge bowler often successful in breaking up a
partnership.
Adams N. An extremely talented player whose wicket
keeping has improved greatly during the last season. An opening batsman
who is very quick on to the loose ball but all too often hits an easy
catch in the early stages of his innings. A player who with a little
more concentration and dedication could prove to make the runs expected
of him.
Einhorn N. Had a very disappointing season with the bat
mainly due to his nervousness at the crease. He is a very keen cricketer
yet lacks the determination to do well A lot of hard practice could make
him a formidable middle order batsman. His fielding was always safe.
Smith W. Left-arm spin bowler with tremendous ability
to turn the ball He proved to be a very reliable bowler this season and
took a number of wickets. A left handed batsman who has the ability to
do very well but lacks concentration and an excellent gully fielder who
brought off some fantastic catches.
Rudd N. A very disappointing season for a batsman with
so much ability. He never really got into the game with the
determination to do well. A right hand batsman and leg spin bowler who
with more dedication could prove his selection for the Rhodesian Fawns
side in 1977. A very reliable cover fielder.
Viljoen A. Opening batsman and medium pace bowler, with
a lot of talent. He proved to be. the most consistent run maker in the
side and yet his bowling and fielding were poor. He started the season
bowling well but at the end he lacked both length and direction. With
practice he is a player who could be very exciting to watch.
Slaven M. A right-hand batsman who for the first time
this season proved himself worthy of a place in the team. For once he
showed some interest in the game and as a result both his batting and
fielding improved.
De Villiers D. Opening bowler and middle order batsman.
A very talented young player who took a number of wickets with his
medium pace seamers. Very accurate and reliable and has bowled many long
spells. Both the batting and fielding lacked the concentration expected
of him and in this respect a new approach and a lot of practice is
needed on his behalf.
Rae G. Left-hand batsman. A young player with a
tremendous amount of ability, but lacks confidence in himself. A strong
off side player with a powerful cut. A very good fielder both in the
covers and close up. With a lot of practice during the holidays in the
third term he could prove to be a fluent run maker.
Benning M. Right-hand batsman and medium pace bowler; a
player with a lot of determination and ability. A very alert fielder who
loves diving about the turf. A steady player who could prove to be a
good all rounder.
1979
Viljoen, A. (Captain) A competent right hand opening bat who played
several fine innings. A very keen Captain who tended to be rather
conservative but will improve with experience. A safe fielder whose form
with the ball deserted him.
Benning, M.
Right hand batsman and medium pace bowler; a player with a lot of
determination and ability. A good swing bowler able to move the ball
both through the air and off the pitch, but very unlucky not to have
taken many wickets. An alert and safe fielder.
Benning, I
Right hand batsman. A young player with a lot of talent. Although a slow
run getter, he keeps his end up well. Should do well next year.
Brownlee, P
Right hand batsman; showed that he can make runs when he sets his mind
to it. A very determined fielder though perhaps a little slow.
De Villiers, D
Medium pace bowler and right hand batsman; a most successful pace
bowler, able to bowl long tight spells. Also a useful middle order
batsman, but his fielding lacked the concentration it requires. He must
show a more dedicated approach towards the game.
Einhorn, M
Right hand batsman; a very keen and determined cricketer who always gave
of his best. He batted well throughout the season, though was often out
early trying to force the pace. A safe and reliable fielder.
Gibbs, D
Right hand batsman; an inconsistent batsman who has not realised his
full potential. A little more concentration and determination is
required. A safe cover fielder.
Hardman, G
Right hand opening batsman; a little nervous to start with, but showed
his ability in making runs towards the end of the season. A good
wicket-keeper who plays well to spinners.
Kettle, L
Opening bowler; a medium fast bowler who bowls a nagging length, though
occasionally a little short. A quick and agile fielder.
Pettican, M
Opening bowler; a determined and consistent bowler. What he lacks is
speed, but makes up with accuracy and length.
Smith, W
Left-hand batsman and off spin bowler, probably the most talented player
in the side, but must adopt a more mature attitude. A consistent run
getter and the most successful bowler. His fielding was, however, a
little sloppy.
1980
A. Viljoen (Captain)
A right hand opening bat who had several successful innings including a
fine century against OM' s, His form with the ball returned and he
gained several key wickets. A keen and competent captain.
I. Benning
A keen player who has not yet realised his potential. Rather slow in the
field.
P. Brownlee
Right hand bat. A consistent bat and determined fielder.
D. Bennett
A fine right hand bat who had little success, Turned into an agile and
safe fielder.
D. de Villiers
Medium pace bowler and right hand bat. Was very successful with the ball
but scored fewer runs than expected.
P. Grobler
Medium pace bowler and right hand bat. A/new member of the side who was
given little opportunity. Rather slow in the field. Should develop next
year.
G. Hardman
Right hand opening bat and wicket keeper. Found his form with the bat
with several good scores, Reliable keeper who had some fine stumpings
off Smith.
L. Kettle
Opening bowler. Had a successful season. Inclined to drop his shoulder
and sling the ball. Could do better with the bat.
R. Pearson
A hard-hitting right hand bat who did very well in his first season.
Must show more enthusiasm in the field.
W. Smith
Left hand bat and spin bowler. A talented player and main wicket taker.
Was not so successful with the bat owing to his habit of flicking at the
ball rather than hitting it.
M. Vickery
A young right hand bat who as yet has not found his feet. Rather slow in
the field,
1981
Smith, W. (Captain)
The most talented player in the side, being an excellent left-arm bowler
and competent bat. His bowling was incredibly tight at times and few
batsmen were comfortable facing him.
Brownlee, J.
With Hardman, an effective opening pair who batted with great
responsibility. A very keen and determined player and agile fielder.
Faulds, G.
Fast opening bowler and hard-hitting lower order bat. He must try and
improve his length and direction.
Hardman, G.
Right hand opening batsman. His scoring rate has slowed down but this is
probably due to the necessity for him to see the side off to a good
start. Unfortunately he lost his wicket-keeping form.
MacDonald, W.
A medium pace bowler and hard hitting lower order bat. After several
years' absence from the game he found it difficult to regain form but
should do well next term.
Nothnagel, M.
Not a very talented player but one of the keenest. Won the match for us
against Prince Edward with some remarkable bowling (4-9).
Pearson, R.
A highly talented bat and capable medium pace bowler. Scored less runs
than he should as he was inclined to lift the ball too early on. A
greatly improved fielder.
Sellars. B.
Has potential as an all-rounder, as he can bat and bowl well but cracks
under pressure. With more dedication should do well next year.
Salomon, G.
Could develop into a talented all-rounder. Bowls very well but has not
as yet realised his potential as a bat. One of the safest fielders in
the side.
Finch, T.
A useful off spin bowler who improves with every game. Batted very
responsibly against
Plumtree. A good fielder and keen member of the side.
Wentzel, W.
Played few games due to injury. Showed promise and should develop into a
capable all rounder.
Venn, S.
Coming straight from the U/15 side, he was over-awed and had little
success. Must learn to keep his head down and not slog. A little slow in
the field.
1982
Hardman G. (Captain) An excellent opening batsman and
an equally good wicketkeeper. He is capable of bowling and fielding
competently.
Salomon G. Opening batsman with Hardman, had a good
start to the season but lost form. A fast and accurate fielder.
Sellars B. Opening medium - fast bowler who usually
picks up one or two wickets in a match. Bats high in the order but has
not obtained high scores.
Wallace G. A useful all-rounder who batted consistently
in the middle order, and bowled off spin, often for long spells, and
with success.
Venn S. A successful bowler and an excellent outfielder
capable of good batting ·when he concentrates.
Parsons I. A low order batsman, medium pace bowler and
outfielder. Has achieved only moderate success, taking one or two
wickets occasionally.
Rix N. Has had mixed fortunes as a batsman and bowler
but performed well in the outfield.
Scott R. An all-rounder who batted well on occasions
and opened the bowling, taking many wickets during the term.
Naik J. Principally a bowler, he played in the second
half of the term and opened the bowling on three occasions. A fast and
agile fielder.
Holleran M. A left arm spinner and middle order batsman
who 0btained reasonable scores at times.
Pattison R. Kept wicket competently, when Hardman did
not and batted low in the order.
Also Played E. Van Ryneveld; M. Ross and C.
McTaggart.
1984
N. Rix - (Captain) - a captain with mixed fortunes -
has not yet realised his potential.
R. Pattison - opening bat and wicket keeper - "Barry
the Blocker" - promoted from batting number 10 to opening, and enjoying
it. Consistent and agile behind the stumps.
H. Ziemkendorf - the fine spin bowler of the season.
"Koos" is always keen - this showed in his fine 8 for 22 against C.B.C.
B. Dawson - another player who always tries hard. Had
mixed fortunes with the bat but discovered he could bowl, as 9 for 26
against Marondera shows.
M. Holleran - the veteran - can succeed with the bat
and sometimes does well. A pleasant and keen member of the side.
A. Mackintosh - "Tosh" occasionally scored runs, when
he ball, but has mastered the art of sleeping at fine leg.
P. Maugi - an opening bat who could, should and tried.
We all live in hope that one day he will use his 6'5" to bowl with more
success than he's had to date.
S. Langford - "Caveman" opened the bowling and soon
mastered the art of almost throwing the ball - generally down the leg
side! A very keen and humorous player whose dream is to manage to take a
catch.
D. Pistorious - an U/15 who always opened the batting
with courage but with a rather nervous appearance. A pity that a broken
arm had sidelined him for the 3rd term.
E. Chibi - quiet and keen. Emmanuel always tried hard
having more success with ball than with the bat.
Also played: M. Ross, S. Naik, R. Young.