The annual “Cricket versus Baseball” social event was held at Radloff Park in Somerset West on Saturday (1 April), when Somerset West Cricket Club (SWCC) and Helderberg Pirates Baseball Club competed, this time in cricket.
Last year, both clubs competed in baseball, and Pirates took full honours. This year the encounter provided the platform for the cricket team to regain some dignity.
Two matches were played, Pirates Blue versus Somerset West Gees cricket team and the Pirates Black versus the Somerset West first team.
Both games were played in the best spirits, with lots of fun had by all, club members and their families alike, further cementing relations between the two Radloff Park clubs.
“We always enjoy these events as a way to get the two clubs together and enjoy our sports park as one,” commented the chairperson of the Pirates, Brett Leah. “We may be different codes, but we are one sports park – Radloff – at the end of the day.”
SWCC were similarly awaiting the fixture with much anticipation. “We waited a year to even the playing fields, and it was so, so worth it,” the club said in a statement. “The baseball okes always bring a great vibe and it was great hosting them. It was great to see how they used their baseball skills on the cricket field, and it was great to see the camaraderie between the two codes.”
Pirates Blue scored 105-9 after 20 overs in the first game, which SWCC chased down in 18.1 overs in a closer-than-expected encounter.
In game two, SWCC batted first and scored 145-4 in 20 overs. With restrictions club bowlers Pirates were in for a chance, but the total proved too high as they mustered only 127-8.
Games were played in good spirit, with laughter all round. Next year it will be back at the baseball park for Pirates to exact their revenge.
