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NCU South Africa Tour 2018
Visit the Township of Khayelitsha
The last day of the NCU Development Tour in Cape Town was probably one of the most humbling and rewarding. The entire tour party travelled to the township of Khayelitsha to coach at the Chris Hani school and the Siphamandla school which have been working with the Gary Kirsten Cricket Foundation to promote cricket opportunities to young township people.
The Khayelitsha township in the Cape Town suburbs has a massive 400,000 plus population and covers over 40 square kilometres which means that this one township is larger both in population and area than Belfast!
A city within a city, it is the largest of the many townships in Cape Town and Gary Kirsten through his Cricket Foundation has been working to offer sporting opportunities to as many young people as possible.
The NCU Northern Knights young players rose to the challenge of providing further cricket coaching to the young people of the area who had come in to school on their holiday day off. A range of cricket drills and skills where offered to children of the area from 10 years to 18 years old.
This was a humbling experience for the NCU coaches and players as they witnessed the poor training and practice conditions that the young township players operate in, yet their passion and commitment for the game is outstanding and makes us realise how fortunate we are with what we have back home. Also, everyone was greatly impressed with excellent skill levels on show.
The visit ended with the entire NCU touring party and the Township players and coaches joining together to clear rocks, boulders and broken glass from the area of the Chris Hani school which is used as the cricket outfield. A small gesture in the grand scheme of things, but it was great to see everyone joining together to offer more enjoyable conditions for young cricketers’.
Prior to the tour the NCU had asked for NCU clubs to donate clothing and equipment that could be passed on to the Township schools. These had been delivered to the Gary Kirsten Foundations and passed on to the young township cricketers earlier in the tour and it was great to see young townships cricketers proudly wearing shirts from Saintfield, Instonians, Civil Service North of Ireland, and Templepatrick Cricket Clubs as well as the Northern Knights.

Northern Cricket Union 2018 South Africa Tour
Andrew White NCU Academy Suffer First Defeat by Boland Invitation XI
Andrew White NCU Academy v Boland Invitation XI, at Scorpions CC, Oude Libertas, Stellenbosch, 2nd April
It may have been so different!
If only the off-bail had decided to fall rather than balance on top of the stump from that first delivery of the match by Matthew Foster, who knows what might have happened.
As it was Hendrik Brink took full advantage of his good fortune to smash his way to 86, albeit with another couple of lives generously given by some below average NCU fielding.
The NCU bowling toiled way manfully in the oppressive heat but with Foster leaving the field with a knee twinge at the end of that eventful first over, resources were always going to be stretched.
Luke Allison, Alex Haggan and Aaron Wright all claimed two wickets but with Juan Radenan scoring a century batting at number seven the home side looked set to post a total in excess of 300.
In the end the NCU did well to bowl them out in the 49th over and a total of 281 was not ‘out of sight’ as far as the tourists were concerned.
Any thoughts of an NCU victory were quickly banished as the top six were quickly dispatched - Oliver Metcalfe (11), Harry Warke (0), Jack Burton (5), Aaron Wright (7), Max Burton (8), and Jamie Magowan (0), leaving the innings faltering at 30 runs for 6 wickets.
For the second match in a row it was captain Alex Haggan who pitched in with a run-a-ball 60, firstly in partnership with Archie Johnston (17) and then as further wickets fell, with number eleven Luke Allison (18), Haggan finishing not out in a game where the NCU were very much second best on the day. Boland Invitation XI were comprehensive winners by 121 runs.
Match Summary
Andrew White NCU Academy v Boland Invitation XI, at Oude Libertas, Stellenbosch, 2nd April
Boland Invitation XI - 281 (48.1 overs: J Radenan 100, H Brink 86; L Allison 2-23, A Haggan 2-24, A Wright 2-53)
Andrew White NCU Academy - 160 (36.2 overs: A Haggan 60*, L Allison 18, A Johnston17; M Papenfoes 3-12, J Wilson 3-32, M Hull 2-11)
Boland XI win by 121 runs.

Northern Cricket Union 2018 South Africa Tour
NCU South Africa Tour 2018
Andrew White NCU Academy and NCU Under 15’s take on District North 31st March 2018
A captain’s innings from Alex Haggan and another spell of magic with the ball from Aaron Wright was enough to see the Andrew White NCU Academy side to victory on the hottest day of the tour to date.
The early starts to games in this part of the world favours the side bowling first and this was very much the case as the NCU subsided to 65 for 5 wickets in fourteen overs. With James Hunter joining Alex Haggan the scene was set for a revival of fortune and this pair put together a 61 run partnership that took the total to 126 and with 25 runs from Jack Burton batting down the order The Academy side posted a final total of 195.
An ‘interesting’ total according to the locals that promised a tight match and although the NCU left almost 8 overs unused their 195 was satisfying given the precarious position they found themselves in early on.
The District North reply started with a first ball dismissal for the dangerous Simon Schultz, James Magee with the unplayable ‘pitched middle, hit top of off!’ delivery.
Once again the off-spin of Aaron Wright tore the heart out of the opposition as he claimed a five wicket haul in consecutive days.
Only 15 year old Kai Curran provided any resistance for the home side and his 47 was by far best contribution.
With James Magee returning to claim further two wickets and Matthew Foster doing likewise the win was wrapped up inside thirty overs which brought welcome relief from the gruelling conditions.
Match Summary
Andrew White NCU Academy v District North at Durbanville CC, 31st March.
NCU 195 (42.1 overs: A Haggan 55, J Burton 25, O Metcalfe 24; T Wright 2-16, S Schultz 2-18, K Curran 2-20)
District North 84 (28.5 overs: K Curran 47; A Wright 5-10, J Magee 3-12, M Foster 2-13)
NCU win by 111 runs.

NCU Under 15’s v District North XI
Uel Graham Reports
The NCU Under 15 squad were warmly welcomed at Durbanville CC for a 09.30am start against a Select XI which would prove to be tough opposition for the day. NCU lost the toss and we were invited to bat first to make use of the firm, green wicket.
The tourists were in early trouble at 32 for 3 with Adam Kennedy, Ben Beattie and Matthew Humphreys the early wickets. Sam Topping followed at 47 for 4 having weathered the impressive early quick spell from the District North opening bowlers. The NCU Under 15’s were reeling when Matthew Daly fell soon after with the total on 53.
Firstly James Lambert (35 runs off 36 balls) and James Rose (31 runs off 46 balls) shared a stand of 63 off 50 balls, and after both were out in consecutive overs, Michael Waite (38 runs off 42 balls) and Adam Ly, recovering from a groin strain (24 not out off 41 balls), saw the NCU Juniors to a respectable 202 all out.
Best bowlers for Northern Districts were the impressive Ross Martin with 2wickets for 10 runs from his 7.3 overs and Ethan Africa who had 3 wickets for 12 runs from 5 overs.
The Northern District innings began cautiously with Michael Waite and Matthew Daly also bowling well on a bouncy track. Bowlers were rotated to try to make a breakthrough but to no avail and the home side retired both openers, John Johnston on 33 runs and Win van Reenan on 51 runs.
The seam bowlers: Waite, Daly, Lambert, Burke and Ellerby toiled way in the hot Durbanville sun, with Shane Burke the most impressive with 7 overs one wicket for 22 runs. The spin options also bowled well in parts, with the left arm spin of Carson McCullough and Ethan Hanna complemented by Matthew Humphreys who took one wicket. District North achieved their target in 39th over with NCU claiming only three wickets.
Despite the defeat there was valuable learning experience for the junior squad against a tough opposition.
Easter Sunday will be spent in the hotel complex with some strategic and tactical morning sessions followed by the use of the hotel facilities (pool/beach volleyball/boules) to further add to the growing camaraderie that has built on the tour.

Encouraging indeed to read our NCU 15's touring side currently blazing a trail of glory far off in sunny climes, keep up the excellent standards lads!
And I too would like to add my hearty congratulations to Mr Paddy O'Hara on his lofty elevation to full MCC membership, none more deserving and worthy of such esteemed company!!
And just while I'm here and on the subject of umpire's,
in the lower leagues we officiate and stand during are own matches, by and large when all's said and done, generally most are fair or at least try to be, which is all we ask and hope for so everyone enjoys the game.
And to the more impressionable amongst us, please don't be influenced by certain Australian cricketers who have not only broughtshame on themselves, their teammates, their country but worst of all, tarished the high moral principals and spirit of the great game itself!
To quote the last line from that iconic sportmanship poem, by Grantland Rice, Alumunus Football,
' For when the one Great Scorer comes to write against your name, he writes, not that you won or lost, but how you play the game '

Eight Wicket haul by Aaron Wright bowls out the Gary Kirsten Foundation
Andrew White NCU Academy and NCU Under 15’s take on Gary Kirsten Foundation 29th March 2018
Both the NCU Under 15’s and Andrew White NCU Academy matches today were scheduled to be played against XI’s representing the Gary Kirsten Foundation, in the townships of Langa and Khayelitsha.
The current drought in the Western Cape has however laid waste those grounds dependent on public water supply and made pitch preparation in the townships impossible.
A switch to Western Province Cricket Club for both games was arranged by our South African host and the games proceeded on lush green outfields, watered from the club’s two private bore-holes.
The Andrew White NCU Academy side were asked to field and in the opening overs there was little to suggest we would see anything out of the ordinary.
What followed however was a spell of bowling from CSNI’s Aaron Wright whose 7.2 overs of off-spin returned the remarkable figures of eight wickets for only nine runs!
The Foundation XI were hustled out for 79 and the Academy side wasted no time in chasing that down for the loss of only two wickets, Jamie Magowan 28 not out when the winning total was reached.
Match Summary
Gary Kirsten Foundation (Langa) v Andrew White NCU Academy, at Western Province CC, 29th March
GKF XI - 79 (28.2 overs: S Ntulwane 22; A Wright 8-9)
Andrew White NCU Academy - 80/2 (13.1 overs: J Magowan 28*)
Andrew White NCU Academy won by 8 wickets.
To take advantage of the wonderful facilities on offer a T20 game was played in the afternoon in which the NCU recorded a 106 run win.
Their total of 154 for 6 wickets was made up of contributions from Max Burton (38), Jack Burton (30) and Archie Johnston (28) while with the ball - Matthew Foster 2 wickets for 3 runs, Alex Haggan (2 for 6) and Aaron Wright (2 for 10) ensured a second win of the day for the Andrew White NCU Academy side.
NCU Under 15’s Suffer First Loss in South Africa

Meanwhile the NCU Under 15 squad suffered their first defeat on the tour when they went down to a three wicket defeat at the hands of a side from the Khayelitsha township representing the Gary Kirsten Foundation.
Batting first in the usual format of a 12-a-side game the NCU were all out 150 failing to bat the allotted 40 overs against a pacy attack.
Michael Waite continued his fine batting form with an unbeaten 43 runs, while Carson McCullough made 25.
In reply the Foundation team batted steadily and Nkonzombi added 34 to his two wickets to challenge for title of Man of the Match. He was ably supported by Mfunelwa (32) and Masumpa (30 not out) who paced his batting and shielded the lower order to see his side home with overs to spare and three wickets in hand.
Skipper Michael Humphreys was the leading wicket-taker for the tourists with 4 for 27, while Rory Ellerby chipped in with a more than useful 3 for 15.
Match Summary
Gary Kirsten Foundation (Khyalitsha) v NCU Under 15’s at Western Province CC, 29th March
NCU Under 15’s - 150 all out (37.1 overs: M Waite 43*, C McCullough 25; A Mafanga 3-18, S Nkonzombi 2-23, J Qubuda 2-31)
GKF - 151/8 (31.2 overs: S Nkonzombi 34, B Mfunelwa 32, B Masumpa 30*; M Humphreys 4-27, R Ellerby 3-15)
Gary Kirsten Foundation won by 3 wickets.

It is with absolute delight that I have learned of the elevation of my mentor Patrick Lamont O'Hara to full membership of the MCC. His service on the "Rules" committee together with his service to cricket, both on the field, fully merits this recognition.

NCU 2018 South Africe Tour
NCU Cricketers’ Attend the Gary Kirstens Cricket Academy
Andy McCrea Reports
It was another excellent day of cricket in Cape Town for the Northern Cricket Union (NCU) touring squads, in what has been the warmest day so far. The venue was the superb setting of Claremont Cricket Club and the players got to work with world renowned coaches from the Gary Kirsten Academy.
Gary Kirsten is a former South African International cricketer, playing 101 test matches and 185 One Day Internationals, between 1993 and 2004. In 2011, he famously coached India to World Cup success, in Mumbai, with a six wicket victory over Sri Lanka.
After the warm up, fielding drills and nets sessions were the starting point for the day to gauge how well the players were executing the basics in all facets of the game, which also gave a chance for player observation by the coaches.
Following a lunch break further sessions included scenario batting in the middle and in nets, range hitting, and then classroom discussion led by the players on how they thought the games scenarios had unfolded.
All the NCU players greatly appreciated the time, effort and feedback afforded to them by the Gary Kirsten Academy Coaches, and it was great to see that today's session dovetailed with work and discussions that they had already done during the winter, and also further developed on tour with the NCU coaches.
All players returned thoroughly exhausted but feeling the benefit of the challenges they had been set.
As part of the day, Gary Kirsten attended and spent an hour and a half with the NCU coaches, discussing the current and salient issues of modern coaching and player development.
Gary, who is one of the world's leading coaches, has just returned from coaching the Hobart Hurricanes in the Australian Big Bash to the final, and is just about to travel to the Indian Premier League (IPL) as the batting coach with the Royal Challengers Bangalore. At this tournament he has been tasked with co-ordinating a batting plan for Virat Kohli, AB DeVilliers, and Brendan McCullum amongst others, who are some of the modern day elite players.
Many coaching topics were discussed across all levels of cricket, but the key message was that youth coaching is about player development rather than winning, and he is a strong advocate of the smaller pitches and smaller sided games for young cricketers in order to see their skills executed well.
The NCU has already started to incorporate this into their youth match programme and the NCU Youth Committee are looking forward to this progression in the months ahead.
All players and coaches felt great value from the day and look forward to putting this purposeful practice into match performances for the rest of the tour.

Paddy O'Hara
We have just been informed that Paddy was appointed as a full member of the MCC in recognition for his sterling service in the umpiring ranks. He was an outstanding Umpire and his knowledge of the Laws is without question. When he 'retired' he continued to improve and educate his peers amongs the NIACUS brigade and further afield.
I'm sure we share on his congratulations.
Well done Paddy.
Ed

Resounding Victory for Andrew White NCU Academy over Wynberg High
Andrew White NCU Academy v Wynberg Boys High School
Played at Vineyard Oval, Newlands
25th March 2018
The Andrew White NCU Academy gained revenge for their 2015 defeat by Wynberg Boys’ High School with a comprehensive 174 run victory in Sunday’s encounter at the Vineyard Oval, Newlands.
Overnight rain and an uncovered pitch promised early hope for the side bowling first and so it proved as Wynberg, having won the toss, set about exploiting the helpful conditions.
Oliver Metcalfe, Jack Burton and Archie Johnston had taken the score to an unconvincing 69 for three wickets, but a magnificent fourth wicket partnership of 125 between Max Burton (98) and Aaron Wright (73) ensured that the tourists would set a formidable total.
Late wickets fell as the accelerator was pressed and a cameo from skipper Alex Haggan (20 off 13 balls including two maximums) ensured that the tourists’ total passed 300.
Wynberg’s reply was in trouble immediately as James Magee and Matthew Foster took wickets in each of the first three overs.
With the spin of Aaron Wright and Harry Warke then claiming two wickets each the Wynberg
innings lasted barely 30 overs.
On a day that had started overcast and ended in scorching sunshine the NCU boys were happy to get off the field with a shortened session as they acclimatised after a winter of indoor sessions.
A win in style against one of Cape Town’s most prestigious school sides was a satisfying way to start the South African tour programme.
Match Summary
Andrew White NCU Academy v Wynberg Boys High School, at the Vineyard Oval, 25 March.
Andrew White NCU Academy - 303 for 9 (50 overs: M Burton 98, A Wright 73; Z Antony 3-39, S Shultz 3-47).
Wynberg Boys High School - 125 (31.4 overs: Z Antony 28; J Magee 3-28, A Wright 2-14, H Warke 2-33)
NCU Senior Academy win by 174 runs.

Convincing Victory for NCU Under 15’s over Wynberg High
NCU Under 15’s v Wynberg Boys High School
Played at Cape Town Cricket Club
25th March 2018
Uel Graham Reports
The Northern Cricket Union (NCU) squad arrived at Cape Town CC to be greeted by a covered pitch which had been affected by the overnight rain, welcome for the local residents, but not for the touring party. After some discussion, a 10.30 start for a 40 over game was agreed. The NCU won the toss and opted to make first use of the wicket.
Yesterday’s half centurion, Sam Topping fell early to a good catch at the wicket, and then the other opener, Cameron Doak, was joined by Ben
Doak was joined by captain Matthew Humphreys and the two batted circumspectly, mixing good defence with singles and punishing the bad ball, putting on 99 for third wicket in 18 overs before Humphreys fell for 55. Doak was then retired out for 50 shortly after.
Another quick fire 31 runs from Matthew Daly, off 21 balls, including five fours and a six, pushed the score over 150 and Adam Kennedy weighed in with 20 not out as NCU finished their allotted 40 overs on 229 for six wickets.
The Wynberg innings had the worst possible start when Michael Waite had opener Koff caught behind by Ben Beattie in the first over, and wickets continued to fall regularly throughout the innings as the drying pitch became more unpredictable. The hosts succumbed to 69 for 9, and even with a late rally were all out for 102. Wickets were shared amongst the NCU bowlers with Michael Waite, Carson McCullough and James Rose taking two apiece.
Both teams had agreed to rotate twelve players to enable more playing time, the hosts were invited to have their twelfth man bat. This enabled their number nine, Davids to score 32 runs in an overall total of 143, before Adam Kennedy tool the last wicket.
What looked like a day of waiting in frustration due to overnight rain, ended up as another worthwhile and invaluable match day as part of NCU South Africa Tour.
Match Summary
NCU Under 15 XI v Wynberg Boys High School, at Cape Town CC, 25 March.
NCU - 229/6 (40 overs: M Humphreys 55, C Doak 50* ret., M Daly 31, A Kennedy 20; N Strongilis 2-24, D Bearne 2-26, J Dirks 2-30)
Wynberg Boys HS - 143/11 (31.4 overs: C Davids 32*; C McCullough 2-8, M Waite 2-23, J Rose 2-28)
NCU Under 15 won by 76 runs.

Northern Cricket Union 2018 South Africa Tou
One Wicket Victory in Tour Opener for NCU Under 15’s
NCU Under 15’s v Newlands Boys High School
Played at Western Province Cricket Club (WPCC)
24th March 2018
Alan Waite Reports
The first game of the NCU Under 15’s trip to South Africa started in relatively cool overcast conditions at WPCC on Saturday morning. Mathew Humphreys lost the toss and Newlands Boys High school decided to bat first. The Wallace High combination of Michael Waite and Cameron Doak got the NCU off to the best possible start, Doak taking two wickets in his first over and Waite one in his second to leave the hosts struggling at 9/3.
However some strong middle order batting aided by over thirty wides made it look as if a total of well over 250 was possible, but wickets for Shane Burke, Matthew Humphreys and Rory Ellery helped keep the NCU in the game.
The brakes were then really applied by Michael Waite and Adam Kennedy who bowled the last ten overs of the innings and restricted Newlands to just twenty-eight runs. They bowled full and straight and restricted the batsmen to only two boundaries. Waite finished with 4-30 and Kennedy 1-18
The NCU innings was opened by Shane Burke and Sam Topping who put on 32 for the first wicket before Burke was caught behind. Topping was joined by skipper Humphreys and together they batted excellently in a partnership of eighty-four. Humphreys was caught and bowled for 36 and the thirteen year old Topping was eventually retired for 56.
A couple of wickets fell cheaply and with the run rate mounting, it needed someone to increase the momentum. Mathew Daly arrived at the crease and smashed thirty from only fifteen balls to bring the NCU right back into the game. However when he was bowled, and quickly followed by a further three wickets, at 198/9 the game looked lost.
But the Instonians pair of James Lambert and Rory Ellerby kept their heads and aided by a straight six and four from Lambert they won the game with a scrambled single off the last ball.
All fourteen players participated in the game, and considering the boys had not played since last September they showed great spirit and commitment and were absolutely delighted with their win.
Match Summary
Newlands Boys’ High School v NCU U15 XI at Western Province Cricket Club - 24 March
Newlands Boys’ HS - 217 (45 overs: A Mafanga 54, A Bayoumi 47, A Scullard 37; M Waite 4-30, C Doak 2-4)
NCU U15 XI - 218/9 (44 overs: S Topping 57 ret., M Humphreys 36, M Daly 30; J Adams

ICC World Cup Qualifying Super Six final
Afghanistan won by 7 wickets
West Indies 204 (46.5 overs) R Powell 44, S Heymyer 38, E Lewis 27, A Nurse 26; Mujeeb 4-43, G Naib 2-28
Afghanistan 206-3 (40.4 overs) Mohammad Shahzad 84, Rahmat Shah 50, Mohammad Nabi 27*, C Gayle 2-38
A disappointing final for West Indies, as a jubilant team emphatically trounced by Afghanistan. Mohammed Shahzad (84) taunted the Windies throughout, but he delivered the blows that won the game. He is tubby, slow, arrogant, controversial and has plenty to say at the crease, but he's no fool, and can bat. Similar to the great Colin "Ollie" Milburn the Northants and England opener of yesteryear without the arrogance. One wonders why he had the need to display a cut-throat sign after he reached his fifty?
Gayle did remove Shahzad when his ebullient style got the better if him, but when Nabi struck three successive sixes to win the victory from Gayle he has fallen deeper and deeper into mediocrity. Not the force of former years, perhaps it is time to call it an end with some dignity?
Head Coach Phil Simmons and his sidekick John Mooney must be delighted with the win. They have deserve it!
Ireland finished 5th in the Super Six table.

ICC World Cup Qualifying
Ireland v Afghanistan
Afghanistan won by five wickets.
Ireland 209-7 (50 overs) P Stirling 55, K O'Brien 41, N O'Brien 36, W Porterfield 20; Rashid 3-40, Dawlat 2-54
Afghanistan 213-5 (49.1 overs) M Shahzad 54, G Naib 45, A Stanikzai 39*, S Shenwari 27; S Singh 3-30
Ireland batted first but struggled throughout with Stirling (55) anchoring in an unusual role after a suicidal run. The O'Brien brothers sparkled for two brief periods, but overall 209 was well short of par. It became a reality after the Afghans opened strongly and then paced them to perfection after the bowlers toiled with a low total. It was a huge disappointment for everyone.

ICC World Cup Qualifying Correction-
Zimbabwe are still technically in contention for a place in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, as a tie between Afghanistan and Ireland (in which each side bats for at least 25 overs) will reduce Ireland's net run-rate below Zimbabwe.

ICC World Cup Qualifying
Ireland received a huge favour from UAE when they defeated Zimbabwe by 4 runs in a rain affected game. (DLS)
It means Ireland and Afghanistan will face each other in a 'win take all' to qualify. Ironically, Ireland has a better net rate so hypothetically, if the match is rained off Ireland will qualify.
Let's hope they win on the field and earn a place on merit in Sunday's final..