KZN Cricket the Inner Ring June 2020 Second Innings2
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THE INNER RING JUNE 2020 | SECOND INNINGS Dear Dolphins family Hope you are all still hanging in there and fighting the good fight. Powerplay As sport slowly returns to our lives, I hope that we all take a moment to reflect on the role that sport has played in all of our lives, and that we will appreciate every opportunity granted to engage in sporting activities. Not only does it promote a healthy lifestyle, but it also brings people together. It has played a significant role in the South African economy and has played a huge part in earning the respect of countries around the world, especially those countries that have had the unfortunate experience of being on the wrong side of a perfect South African display, whichever sporting code it may be. Some of the greatest moments in history have been created through sport, and through those gifted individuals and teams who have the magical ability to create something out of nothing, to achieve what was previously perceived to be impossible and to put lasting smiles on those that had the privilege of witnessing those moments. I once witnessed an interview where one of the proud golfers produced in Africa, Nick Price, after winning a tournament said: “It felt like I managed to capture lightning in a bottle” THE INNER RING That phrase captured my attention because it means to accomplish a nearly impossible task, to trap something elusive or fleeting. It is probably the perfect summary of every sportsman or woman’s dream. To achieve the impossible, to raise the bar and to achieve perfection, even if it is just for a small, fleeting moment. Who will ever forget the moment when Usain Bolt achieved the near impossible with a World record 100 metres in 9.58 seconds, or when Brian Lara achieved immortality by scoring 501 not out, the highest score in first-class cricket history, or when Yuvraj Singh hit six sixes in an over at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead? All these moments are created through lifetimes of commitment and sacrifices, combined with being blessed with special gifts and a relentless pursuit of perfection. A combination of extraordinary skills, fitness levels, mental powers, perseverance, strength of character and a courage that only comes through believing that impossible is nothing. Inside the boundary rope I received some requests to introduce our Hollywoodbets Dolphins squad, and I am proud to embark on this weekly mission to ensure that you know who you will be supporting when the Hollywoodbets Dolphins return to action. I am going to start off with two of our new recruits from outside the province – Keegan Petersen, Ruan de Swardt and one of our special rookies Lifa Ntanzi. THE INNER RING FULL NAME Keegan Darryl Petersen MAIN ROLE Batsman BATTING STYLE Right-hand bat DATE OF BIRTH 8 August 1993 PLACE OF BIRTH Paarl, Western Cape HIGH SCHOOL New Orleans Senior Secondary PRIMARY SCHOOL William Lloyd Primary DATE OF DOLPHINS DEBUT TBC SHIRT NUMBER 29 I share a special bond with my younger and only sister. I selected this number because her birthday is on 29 September. As a cricketer, we travel a lot and this is a small way to Keep her part of this journey. DOLPHINS ALL TIME HERO Jonty Rhodes I take a lot of pride in my fielding and draw inspiration from Jonty’s skills, techniques and energy. FAVOURITE KINGSMEAD MEMORY My favourite memory at Kingsmead was scoring my first franchise 50. This was back when I was still playing for the Cape Cobras. It is always special to play at such an iconic Stadium. I am excited to be part of the Hollywoodbets Dolphins and to have the opportunity to create even more memories at Kingsmead. THE INNER RING FULL NAME Ruan De Swardt MAIN ROLE All-rounder BATTING STYLE Left-hand bat BOWLING STYLE Right-arm fast DATE OF BIRTH 21 January 1998 PLACE OF BIRTH Kempton, Gauteng HIGH SCHOOL Afrikaanse Hoer Seunskool PRIMARY SCHOOL Van RiebeecK Primary DATE OF DOLPHINS DEBUT TBC SHIRT NUMBER 48 Growing up, I always admired Mike Hussey. Hussey’s shirt number was 48. Shortly afterwards, I received my first cap when I was selected for the first team in primary school. This cap number was also 48. Since then, 48 has just stucK with me. DOLPHINS ALL TIME HERO Shaun Pollock Shaun Pollock is a South African legend, who has inspired me in my cricKeting career thus far. Growing up I was able to identify with Pollock through his coaching talks. I faced similar challenges in my technique, and these talks helped me rectify this. Since then, I hold massive respect and admiration for Pollock. FAVOURITE KINGSMEAD MEMORY I have not played at Kingsmead yet. My first visit to Kingsmead was a few months ago when I got to meet the CEO Heinrich Strydom. Kingsmead has a very unique vibe to it that you feel as soon as you drive in. It is very exciting to be part of the Dolphins and I cannot wait to play at this world renowned stadium. THE INNER RING FULL NAME Lifa Ntanzi MAIN ROLE Bowler BATTING STYLE Right-hand bat BOWLING STYLE Right-arm fast DATE OF BIRTH 13 August 2001 PLACE OF BIRTH Durban HIGH SCHOOL Glenwood High School PRIMARY SCHOOL Ndongeni Primary School DATE OF DOLPHINS DEBUT 13 March 2020 SHIRT NUMBER 31 I chose this number because it is the street address of my family home. This is where I started playing cricket and 31 will always be a special reminder of my family and my journey thus far. DOLPHINS ALL TIME HERO David Miller My favourite memory of Miller is him scoring the fastest T20 100 in Potch. I enjoy his brazen style of batting. In my opinion, Miller is the best in the world. FAVOURITE KINGSMEAD MEMORY Dismissing Thamsanqa Khumalo during the Dolphins Premier League (DPL). This is the only game that I have played at Kingsmead. I am grateful to the DPL for the opportunity to play in such a magnificent stadium. Now, I cannot wait to be out there to represent the Dolphins. THE INNER RING In the stands Marketing & Communications This week’s guests on the “Leading Edge” were Prenelan Subrayen and Kyle Abbott. It has been loaded onto the YouTube channel where it can be watched on demand. Please find below links: Episode four: Subrayen & Abbott https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ae7UH91YPig Episode three: Grant Roelofson & Yusuf Abdulla https://youtu.be/Zpteok2kir0 Episode two: Khaya Zondo & Pat Symcox https://youtu.be/SmfmAwhA23Y Episode one: Keshav Maharaj & Heinrich Strydom https://youtu.be/eTkbOls0oNs Close of play We all have the ability to catch lightning in a bottle if we set our minds to it. The lightning might look different for each of us, but lightning remains lightning… Pearler of the week “You don’t have forever to play this game so when you step over the line, have no regrets.” Inswinger of the week “If you are still reading at this point, please send me a “Hi”” Stay safe and stay strong! .