Gonubie Cricket Club (GCC) played a mixed match between the men’s side and the newly formed women’s team on Sunday at the Gonubie Sports Club.
The reason for the friendly was because both their league matches were cancelled due to the municipal strike so the club took the opportunity to give them some game time.
The women’s team batted first and in their 20 overs, managed to post a score of 89 with Wendy Croucamp achieving the top score of 28.
The men’s side managed to pass the women’s score with and go on to score 223 in their 20 overs. Adam Flemming picked up three wickets along the way.
GCC manager Liam O’Hagan said they allowed both teams to bat their full 20 overs, ignoring the results.
“GCC has been around for many years. The club unfortunately struggled when vandals burnt down the little pavilion that housed all the equipment and with that loss, most of the members left.”
O’Hagan said the club is now rising to new heights and has grown exponentially over the last few years. They have climbed three leagues in five years, finally making the promotion to the Premier League.
“This is the highest league that the Border offers for club cricket. Because of this promotion and the growth made, this year we were able to introduce two additional teams into the leagues, the one being the ladies side which is the only women’s club in East London.
“GCC is a non-profit club and the costs of running and maintaining the facilities are high, so all thanks need to go to the faithful sponsors for keeping the club going.
“Gonubie Cricket Club is still a small club compared to some of the others in East London, but they are a close-knit, family-oriented orientated club and this is the main reason why they are growing in an era where club sport is dying,” said O’Hagan.
