Young talented cricketers from disadvantaged backgrounds will be granted an opportunity to play the sport they love and complete their high school careers at a top-class school, thanks to an initiative launched by Somerset College.
The school, under the auspices of its Cricket Committee, recently introduced the Somerset College Cricket Bursary Scheme at its inaugural senior cricket awards dinner at Erinvale Golf Club.
“It’s not just about cricket, it’s about growing humans,” said Vezi Mntungwa, who summed up the sentiment of the panel’s discussion about cricket and the profound influence it has had on their lives.
On the night, Mpumelelo “Pommie” Mbangwa, Justin Ontong, Old Oak Mntungwa and cricket dad Anthony Geard inspired guests at the inaugural dinner with candid insights into the joys of on and off the field cricket, and the challenges associated with transforming the sport.
The event launched the start of the 2018-’19 cricket season and the Somerset College Cricket Bursary Scheme.
With the generosity of the guests present on the evening and the contribution from new sponsor Sunfoil, Bruce Henderson, the chairperson of the school’s Cricket Committee, announced that the first recipient of the bursary would be joining the ranks of the College team in January.
The evening also saw a celebration of the successes of the 2017-’18 season, with Gillad Ben-Oved receiving the best bowler trophy, while captain Sam Henderson was awarded the best player and best batsman awards.
The newly established Henderson Floating Trophy went to the Old Oaks for their victory against the school team at the end of last season.
