Captains preview and message

Well,the season is under way and obviously has not started in the way we all hoped but all is not lost as there were many positives that you the supporter can take from our game against the Northern Titans, but before I get into those there was a pre season tour which I am sure you are all keen to hear about.

Kimberly was first and after the initial fright that our tour might be damaged by rain we were treated to some marvelous weather and hospitality by the Kimberly locals. We left Kimberly with a won one, lost one, record and players only half happy with the way they performed.

Gauteng was next and it proved to be the most worthwhile part of our tour as we played on a magnificent surface provided to us by the "Inanda" club against a fairly strong Gauteng team. The game ended in a draw but the batsmen got to spend some real time in the middle and the bowlers learnt that at first class level the margin of error is tiny.

Obviously on pre season its important for the team to spend time together off the field as a strong team spirit is required if a team is to be succesful, this was achieved in both Kimberly and Joberg with Lloyd Fereira being the chief organiser of fun, as usual.

Upon our return it was quickly home to do some washing and to repack for our trip to Hermanus and our game against Boland in the annual MTN/All Gold challenge. We were victorious with Hershelle and Jaques showing exactly why they are internationals.

With the busy schedule rolling on and one trophy already in the cabinet it was off to Durban for the 25 over hit and giggle game.

OH what fun was had by all .Eeven though the trip to Maritius went to Natal the day and night was a huge success and I am sure will become an annual event which I know the Cape Townions will love.

The Titans and the opening game of the 2000/2001 campaign had arrived. WP won the toss elected to bat and as usual Centurion (SuperSport) Park produced a belter of a wicket for one day cricket. We battled upfront but managed a very defendable 229 with Andrew Puttick and I breaking a long standing WP one day batting record. This proved to much for my 27 years young body as I tore my hamstring and now sit in the physio room more than in the nets.

Alan Dawson led the guys on the field and did a fantastic job but unfortunatly we ran into a rampant Rudi Steyn who took the game away from us with a magnificent hundred and so our first defeat. As I said before all is not lost, infact its only just begun. Friday sees us play against North West and the boys want to bring home the bacon so keep your fingers and toes crossed for us and remember we love your support and cant wait to see you at Newlands.

Your captain HD ACKERMAN.