News from Nambia (19 Nov 1999)

19 November 1999

News from Nambia

The Nambian Cricket Board has preferred a development policy rather than short term success in team selection for its UCBSA Castle Bowl matches this season.

While the Namibian Board XI has lost two and drawn two of its four three-day matches and won one of its four one day matches, encouraging signs are there.

The Eleven includes three new players under 19, including outstanding 16 year old prospect Burton van Rooi.

The all-rounder, who only began playing cricket three years ago, has shown promise with returns of 4-53 and 3-33 in Castle Bowl matches.

Another young all-rounder Stefan Swanpool struck 56 against Boland, while selectors have also blooded middle order batsman Sean Gericke.

The Board's youth programme has been boosted with the appointment of former South African great, Tiger Lance, as Under 19 coach for its World Youth Cup campaign in Sri Lanka in January.

Three boys from non-traditional cricketing backgrounds are likely to be selected for the team.

Various school leagues are taking place and under 13 and under 15 competitions are in full swing.

Mini cricket (soft ball cricket) is proving very popular and three festivals have already taken place with up to 32 schools in the central area alone participating.

The domestic season started in the first week of October with league matches throughout the country.

Here is the current order of merit in all senior competitions: Senior League: Wanderers, Police, TransNamib, Walvis Bay, United Super League: Walvis Bay, United, TransNamib, Police, Youth Castle Night League: Police, TransNamib, Youth, Wanderers, Walvis Bay, United Western League: Nannaville, Dolphins, Walvis Bay A Northern League: Oshakati, Otjiwarvango, Grootfontein Central League: Marient, United A, Police A, TransNamib, Wanderers, Blumfelds