Vintage Cricket Cape Town, March 2010-Newsletter No 3
The latest Vintage Cricket Newsletter is prepared at another interesting time in world cricket (is it ever not interesting these days?). England have a new captain and an acting coach; Australia has been blown away by South Africa; Murali just keeps on getting wickets; the IPL are buying players again......it just goes on and on......cricket as it is today is not what it was when many of us grew up and developed our love of the game.
We at Vintage Cricket are unashamedly traditional and though we recognise the need for 20/20, the money and the new innovations, we are inclined to support Test Matches (without music) and One Day Internationals played as they are supposed to be. We enjoy the fun and friendly competition of club cricket on picturesque grounds, at comfortable clubs and amongst good friends. No intimidation of umpires; no sledging; no frantic diving in the field; no scampered quick singles and no rocketing throws from the boundary-just good old-fashioned cricket as we have enjoyed it for many years at whatever level we have reached in our cricket career.
And so now we head to Cape Town for the 5th World Vintage Cricket Carnival to be enjoyed between Sunday 21st March and Saturday 26th March, 2010. A program of 3 matches per team, 2 social functions, a day out excursion and plenty of time for fun and recreation in one of the world's most beautiful cities.
Teams from New Zealand, Australia, India, England, Scotland, Ireland, Barbados, USA, Canada, South Africa, France and Germany have indicated their intention to take part and if they all make the trip, the 5th World Vintage Cricket Carnival will be one of the larger international cricket events of the year.
Fun, friendship and camaraderie in fabulous surroundings-come and join us in a wonderful "Celebration of Cricket". Look forward to seeing you there.
Yours in cricket
Peter McDermott
Vintage Cricket Office and Auckland University Fingletoads Cricket
Level 1, 250 Mahurangi East Rd
PO Box 78, Snells Beach 0942, New Zealand
Telephone: ( 64) 9 4255294
Facsimile: ( 64) 9 4256956
Email: peter@vintagecricket.com
Website www.vintagecricket.com
In This Newsletter You Can Read And Enjoy The Following:
Meet the people who enjoy, support and plan Vintage Cricket Carnivals. Good club administrators like our men in England - Irvin Morris and Michael Perkins; our representative in Canada - Tony Bateman; in USA - Leon Lamprecht and in Barbados the irrepressible Ricky Clarke - all committed members of the ever expanding Vintage Cricket Family. The advisers to Vintage Cricket are geographically spread and are enthusiastic promoters of Vintage Cricket Carnivals and cricket generally:
India
- Jaideep Sinh Parmar, one of our younger representatives has a background in club cricket and administration at all levels. Jaideep who operates from Mumbai has his own tour company, Beyond Boundaries Ltd and promotes cricket and touring in India. Jaideep's team was represented at the Barbados Carnival and will have a strong presence in Cape Town.
Australia
- Larry Davies of the Subiaco Floreat Cricket Club in Perth, was local Chairman of the Perth Carnival and is team leader of the Western Australia Masters who were at the Barbados and Stratford-upon-Avon Carnivals and intend to be in Cape Town-a very useful player and a fantastic administrator, Larry represents all that is good about Vintage Cricket-competitive on the field and excessively relaxed off it.
- Kevin Pike of the Wheatons Golden Oldies Team from Armidale in New South Wales is another very experienced and enthusiastic administrator. His team, The Wheatons, are a foundation Vintage Cricket team and this March will be hosting 16 teams to a Trans Tasman Vintage Cricket Carnival in picturesque Armidale in the New England Ranges of New South Wales. The Wheatons are planning their next international excursion to the Vintage Cricket Carnival in Cape Town.
New Zealand
- Bob Sharplin, Chairman of the Organising Committee of the memorable Golden Oldies Cricket Festival in Rotorua in 1998, is a well-known administrator in his district. Bob is a Foundation Director of Vintage Cricket and an advocate for the principles of fun and friendship on and off the cricket field.
- Vaughan Brown, our latest Vintage Cricket administrator was a New Zealand representative in the 1980's and a prominent and successful 1st class player for Canterbury. With over 23 years experience with Air New Zealand and currently employed in the accommodation industry, Vaughan understands the needs of travelling sports people and their supporters. Vaughan has enrolled sufficient players from his past team mates to have 2 teams entered for the Cape Town Carnival.
Canada
- Tony Bateman and his wife Sandy, based in Vancouver have been with Vintage at every Carnival. They manage the popular Fingletoads Internationals, an interesting collection of individual players from various parts of the world including USA, Canada, England, Australia, New Zealand and Barbados. The team is entered for Cape Town and is expected to be captained by past New Zealand Test Captain, Geoff Howarth.
USA
- Leon Lamprecht in Los Angeles is organiser of the Hollywood Golden Oldies and has been involved with Vintage Cricket since its inception. Leon hosted the regional Trans USA Vintage Cricket Carnival in 2007 and as a South African born US citizen is assembling his team to take part in the Cape Town Carnival.
- Atul Rai of Santa Barbara is an advisor to Vintage Cricket. A past President of USA Cricket (in the good times) and an active administrator in California, Atul is a playing member of the Hollywood Golden oldies and a source of good advice and information on the growing Vintage Cricket fraternity in the US.
West Indies
- Ricky Clarke, based in Barbados is an energetic former top club player and professional coach with experience in Barbados, Scotland and England. Ricky owns an excellent tour and sports company in Barbados, Sporting Zones Inc, and is involved in the organisation of cricket and hockey tournaments. Ricky plans to have a team from Barbados in Cape Town and has noted great interest from players and teams throughout the Caribbean.
England
- Michael Perkins, Chairman of the local committee who helped put together the successful Stratford-upon-Avon Vintage Cricket Carnival. A member of the Stratford-upon-Avon CC for over 40 years. A very frequent visitor to South Africa for many years, Michael is putting a team together for Cape Town. So we look forward to seeing he his canny slow, slow, left-armers in The Cape.
- Irvin Morris, based in Lancashire, is limited these days to umpiring and administration. His love affair with cricket goes back many decades and he is now a keen advocate of Vintage Cricket and a strong voice for us throughout England.
Irvin will be in Cape Town and is looking forward with some anticipation to some more umpiring and Vintage camaraderie.
Neil Watson has been involved in Vintage Cricket from its inception offering assistance, support and advice and attending the Barbados and Stratford-upon-Avon Carnivals. An experienced administrator and currently Chairman of the Western Province Cricket Club, Neil has organised and managed innumerable visits to Cape Town by teams from the United Kingdom in particular. Neil's reputation amongst visiting teams as a capable and hospitable host is very high and he has received commendations from teams and individuals who agree he will do a wonderful job being local manager and host of the World Vintage Cricket Carnival. Neil has lived all his life in the Cape Town area and assures us that Cape Town is safe and its visitors are secure provided they follow the usual behaviour patterns that they would in any large cosmopolitan city. Neil is hard at work organising the venues, opening and closing functions, a superb day out touring the countryside/wineries and the hospitality at local clubs.
Vintage Cricket is proud to have Neil as our man in Cape Town.
The Western Province Cricket Club was founded in 1864. The first recorded media entry regarding the Club was on the 11 October 1864 when the Cape Argus announced "A cricket match will be played at Wynberg tomorrow between two teams of the newly formed WPCC. One eleven will be composed of residents in Cape Town and Wynberg and the other of those in Claremont, Rondebosch and Diocesan College. Wickets will be pitched at 10.00 am"
It must be made mention that Wynberg in the extract was Southey's Field – now Plumstead – and the club was often referred to as the Wynberg Club.
The Club paid a yearly rental of 50 pounds for Southey's Field and it is presumed that sheep grazed on the field as they did at Lords in the early days. What with the long grass, molehills and undulations of varying degree, the best way to score was to lift the ball. In those days, sixes were allowed if the ball cleared the row of trees which served as changing rooms, grandstand and score-box. Attempts were made to turf the pitch, which was on a small plateau, and in 1876 the secretary of the Club was empowered to purchase a wheelbarrow for the purpose.
An early comment on the wicket (by Cape Argus in 1867) may interest those who have had the joy of batting at Newlands "The ball, instead of bounding to an angle fairly to be calculated by the striker, as on the close knitted English turf, takes a dive into loose sand emerges in uneasy and irregular gyrations"
The Western Province Cricket Club has access to some of the best playing fields in the Western Cape. The new oval at Keurboom and the Vineyard Oval offer top class outfields and excellent wickets to enjoy your cricket. They will be ideal host grounds for visitors to the Vintage Cricket Carnival in 2010.
The Club has 9 senior teams who play at various levels every Saturday during the season. The senior section also fields two friendly teams: The friendly "G" team who play on Saturdays or Sundays and the Chairman's XI side who generally play mid-week matches against touring teams from around the world and who took part in the Stratford-upon-Avon Carnival. The Junior Section has some 200 boys and field teams from the u/10 to u/19 level every Saturday.
Western Province Cricket Club will host the Vintage Cricket Carnival Finale Dinner at their salubrious club rooms at the Western Province Sports Club Campus in the leafy suburb of Rondebosch.
The Western Province team that toured England in 2008 and who presented the case for Cape Town at the Vintage Cricket Carnival in Stratford-upon-Avon.
Newlands, home of Western Province Cricket, has been described by many as one of the most beautiful cricket grounds in the World. Nestled behind and at the foot of Table Mountain it is one of the most picturesque places in the world to watch cricket. Newlands is also favoured with a Mediterranean climate allowing for perfect weather to watch and play cricket.
The ground hosted its first Test match in March 1889 when England defeated South Africa by an innings and 202 runs. England scored 292 and South Africa managed 47 and 43. Not a great result for South Africa and certainly one that will not be repeated anytime soon.
The first One Day International played at the ground in December 1992 saw South Africa beat India by 6 wickets. India scored 184 and South Africa achieved the total with 185 for 4 in the 50th over - a result much more in keeping with current standings.
The cricket ground, known as "Cape Town's Mecca Of Cricket" was first owned by Lydia Corrina. She was the daughter of Jacob Letterstedt, a brewer to whom the title deed had been granted in 1845. The farm, Mariendal, was given to Lydia (Vicomtesse de Montmort), as a wedding present when she married the Vicompte.
A sub-committee of the Western Province Cricket Club (WPCC) heard that part of the farm, comprising large tracts of land adjacent to Newlands station on both sides of the railway line, might be available for renting or purchase. And so the Newlands Cricket Ground story began...
On inspection, the WPCC sub-committee decided that Lot 27, though part vlei (wetlands) and heavily wooded, was potentially an ideal cricket site. The Newlands ground was rented from the Vicomtesse in 1887. A long-term lease agreement for 25 years was concluded in 1888.
In August 1887 the work of levelling the ground was completed. On the 2nd of January 1888, Newlands was officially "opened" with a Mother Country vs Colonial Born two-day match - an event which was to become a regular feature.
Big changes ocurred at Newlands in 1902 as the arrival of the touring Australian team was awaited. Large pine trees extending from the "B" field along Camp Ground Road and around the pavilion were replaced by oak trees. Today the Oaks Enclosure is one of the most popular vantage points for Newlands spectators.
The war years brought about a crisis in the Western Province Cricket Club and at one stage the spectre of Newlands having to be sold to avoid bankruptcy loomed menacingly. From 1914, gate money from representative games had dried up, rates were overdue and interest on mortgage bonds unpaid. The situation was alleviated by according life membership status (at £10 a time), the Rhodes Trust waiving interest, mortgagees foregoing interest for the past two years and a drastic slashing of expenses. In 1918, too, the issuing of 600 debentures raised £6,000 and helped materially to save the day.
Unquestionably the most important development in the next decade was the switch from matting to turf wickets. At the end of the 1926-27 season a special game on an experimental turf wicket was played at Newlands. It took the form of the WPCC First Team against The Rest of Western Province. The club side defeated The Rest by one wicket. The bowlers were on top through the ball keeping low.
It was not until the 1928-29 season that the centre wicket area was top-dressed and both the main and B grounds converted to turf. These pitches were used for trials to select the 1929 Springbok side to tour England, and the way they stood up to nine consecutive days of wear and tear exceeded all expectations. By the 4th of September 1933 the WPCU was able to report "Turf wickets are now definitely established in the Western Province and have come to stay".
After a gap of ten years occasioned by the war, it was understandable that the MCC tour of South Africa in 1948-49 led by George Mann should have aroused exceptional enthusiasm. For the first time in its history, the gates at Newlands had to be closed - on the second day of the third Test. This was hardly surprising as the touring party included big-name cricketers like Denis Compton, Len Hutton, Godfrey Evans, Cyril Washbrook and Alec Bedser.
For some time it had been felt that a suitable memorial scoreboard should be erected at Newlands to honour the memory of Western Province cricketers who had lost their lives in World War II. It was suggested that it should be a memorial to all South African cricketers who had made the supreme sacrifice, and to this end a clock, plus a suitable tablet, which adorns the scoreboard were completed.
The scoreboard project was authorised at the Union's AGM on August 27, 1948. Donations came in from all parts of the province, including one from the Bantu Cricket Union. On December 1, 1948, the memorial scoreboard, with its clock, was unveiled by the then Governor-General, Gideon Brand van Zyl, who himself was a very keen cricket follower.
The tablet, which bears no names, has the following inscription in both English and Afrikaans: IN MEMORY OF CRICKETERS OF SOUTHERN AFRICA WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES FOR THEIR COUNTRY. THEY PLAYED THE GAME. TER GEDAGTENIS AAN DIE KRIEKETSPELERS VAN SUIDELIKE AFRIKA WAT HULLE LEWENS VIR HULLE LAND GEGEE HET.
Newlands has proved a bogey ground for the Springboks who in 1961 lost a test to New Zealand by 72 runs with half an hour to spare. John Reid, successful captain of New Zealand in an interview with Louis Duffus, paid Newlands a compliment, stating that it was "the fairest wicket in the country".
© The copyright to the above material held by WPCA and CricInfo.com.
Situated on the south western tip of Africa, Cape Town and the Western Cape is recognised as one of the most beautiful places on earth. Offering a range of attractions, breathtaking sights and endless activities, it is a year-round holiday destination with friendly people, a mild climate and rich cultural heritage.
Cape Town, where sea and mountain meet dramatically is one of the world's most beautiful cities. Visiting this wonderful part of the world is an experience of a lifetime and for many an experience that lasts a lifetime without losing the sense of wonder and surprise.
Must See and Dos in Cape Town
The exhilarating ascent of Table Mountain, a World Heritage Site, which has a constant presence in the centre of the city, is a must for any visitor and provides breathtaking views over the city and its beaches. The panorama stretches from Table Bay to False Bay and around the mountain to the Hout Bay Valley and Kommetjie. On a clear day there are magnificent views across the Cape Flats to the Hottentots Holland Mountains.
Robben Island is one of the most significant historical sites in South Africa. First used by the Dutch East India Company as a supply station it became an asylum and leper colony. Later it gained notoriety as a jail for those considered dangerous by the previous government including, for more than two decades, President Nelson Mandela, the islands most famous former prisoner.
Kirstenbosch is a garden world famous for its indigenous plants (over 5000 species) and for its magnificent setting against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain.
Shopping - the favourable international exchange rate makes South Africa a shopper's paradise for overseas visitors. Cape Town offers a great variety of domestic and imported goods including gold, diamonds, jewellery, leather goods, African curios, art, antiques, ceramics and fashion clothing.
The fertile green valleys of the Cape Winelands are surrounded by proud mountain ranges. Towns and villages have classical whitewashed Cape-Dutch architecture. Quaint towns offer country style hospitality and some of the world's finest red and white wines. Areas like Somerset West, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl have become world famous for their wines. All only 30 minutes drive from Cape Town.
Vintage Cricketers and their partners who come to Cape Town will soon realise that this city is not where you can plan on going to bed early. When the sun goes down in Cape Town the fun begins.
Visitors have many choices including numerous nightclubs, wine-bars, pubs and cocktail lounges. The V&A Waterfront and lower Cape Town boast great restaurants and pubs.
Teams coming to the Vintage Cricket Carnival in Cape Town in March 2010 are required to take full Carnival accommodation packages. The packages are planned to ensure that all teams stay in close contact with each other; that they stay in excellent quality hotels; that the packages are good value for money and that teams are able to relax and enjoy themselves and their Cape Town Carnival experience.
See the full details of the Carnival Accommodation Packages on www.vintagecricket.com
The Commodore Hotel on the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is a true 5 star hotel in the heart of Cape Town's famed waterfront. A very special hotel priced at ZAR16,700 per person share twin.
The Portswood Hotel is an excellent 4 star hotel close to the Commodore on the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is proving a popular option among teams, priced at ZAR14,950 per person share twin.
The Protea Victoria Junction Hotel is another very good 4 star property close to the Cape Town CBD and adjacent to the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is priced at ZAR13,500. Already we have 3 teams booked at the Victoria Junction.
The Cape Town Lodge is a good 4 star hotel situated close to the Cape Town CBD and not far from the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. With great views of Table Mountain and the Cape Town Harbour, this warm comfortable accommodation is priced at ZAR12,600 per person on a share twin or double basis.
The City Lodge is an excellent 3 star hotel situated close to the Cape Town CBD and at the gateway to the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. A very comfortable and relaxed accommodation, the City Lodge is priced at ZAR11,100 per person on a share twin or double basis.
The Protea Fire and Ice Hotel is a great 3 star hotel located near the CBD but importantly close to the outstanding Cape Town beaches. A great option in the entertainment precinct of Cape Town, the Protea Fire and Ice is priced at ZAR10,700 per person on a share twin or double basis.
The Park Inn Greenmount Square Hotel is an excellent 3 star hotel is situated in the business district of Cape Town in close proximity to attractions, restaurants, shopping and entertainment. A comfortable and welcoming hotel, the Park Inn is priced at ZAR10,700 per person on a share twin or double basis.
The prices quoted above include the following:
- Six nights accommodation in the category of choice.
- A full breakfast each morning.
- Meet and Greet at Johannesburg Airport. (not including cost of transfers)
- Meet and Greet at Cape Town Airport and transfers to your accommodation.
- Return coach transfers to three cricket matches, to the functions and to the Cape Town Airport.
- Welcome Party to include 3 hours of beer, wine and soft drinks; finger food and entertainment.
- Three cricket matches including teas, balls and stumps and on 2 days a hosted Braai at the club.
- Finale Dinner from 7 to 11.30pm, to include a sit down three course buffet meal plus coffee/tea, wine, beer and juices and entertainment.
- A high quality souvenir gift.
- One team photograph per player.
- Handbook and survival kit.
- One souvenir Carnival publication to be circulated after your return home.
Currency Comparisons as at 4th February 2009:
|
ZAR
|
US$
|
Can$
|
GBP£
|
AU$
|
NZ$
|
Euro€
|
|
16,700
|
1,655
|
2,050
|
1,150
|
2,590
|
3,275
|
1,270
|
|
14,950
|
1,480
|
1,835
|
1,035
|
2,320
|
2,940
|
1,140
|
|
13,500
|
1,340
|
1,655
|
935
|
2,095
|
2,650
|
1,030
|
|
12,600
|
1,245
|
1,540
|
865
|
1,950
|
2,465
|
960
|
|
11,100
|
1,100
|
1,360
|
765
|
1,715
|
2,175
|
845
|
|
10,700
|
1,055
|
1,310
|
735
|
1,650
|
2,090
|
815
|
Watch currency fluctuations as there is a bit of movement in one or two including the South African Rand.
The 5th World Vintage Cricket Carnival in Cape Town commences on Sunday, 21 March, 2010 with a wonderful Opening Welcome Party planned for the world famous Newlands Cricket Ground and concludes on Saturday, 27th March. In a fabulous week there will be 3 games for each team, an Opening Party, a Closing Dinner and plenty of optional tours and activities. Check out details of the Carnival Programme at www.vintagecricket.com
If you want to organise a pre or post Carnival tour (and matches) then why not contact Chris Brothers (a member of the Western Province Cricket Club). Chris who attended the Stratford-upon-Avon Carnival as a player has great contacts throughout South Africa and can look after any requirements.
Contact Chris here >>>
BROTHERS SPORT: Ph: 27 21 913 7848; Fax:=27 21 913 7850
P.O. Box 4246, Tyger Valley 7536
Cape Town, South Africa
Situated between Robben Island and Table Mountain in the heart of Cape Town's working harbour, the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is South Africa's most visited destination. Set against a backdrop of magnificent sea and mountain views. Exciting shopping and entertainment venues are intermingled with world-class hotels and luxury apartments in the residential marina. Vintage Cricketers will have a wonderful week accommodated in and about the V & A Waterfront during the week of the 5th World Vintage Cricket Carnival, March 2010.
Why Not Enter Now?
We have entries from 5 teams to date with others in the post. Enter now to make sure you get your choice of accommodation and ensure you are in the Early Bird Entry Draw to be announced in our next newsletter.....you can enter on line or download your entry form off our website.
Entries are welcome from teams, part teams, groups or individuals. If you do not have a team just let us know by email and we will make sure you are linked with a compatible team and that you will enjoy your Vintage Cricket experience.
And we can keep others up to date too
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