15 February 2024
Clifton College, on Thursday evening, welcomed the teams, coaches and other participants in the inaugural Clifton T20 Tournament to a wonderfully chilled Ken McKenzie Hall after a brutally hot Durban day, for an opening dinner, a chat with the captains, and the unveiling of the schools’ kits for the tournament.
The event brings together 10 schools in a competition based on the hugely successful and very popular St John’s Rams T20. Fittingly, the hosts of that event, St John’s College (Harare) are one of the 10 schools that will be in action from 08:30 on Friday morning.
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It was in Harare where the Clifton T20 first started to take shape. The idea came from the parents of Clifton boys who had accompanied the 1st XI to the St John’s Rams T20. They loved the atmosphere of the event, the exceptional hospitality of the Zimbabweans, and the fun factor of the tournament, with each of the schools playing in a coloured kit made specifically for the competition.
The parents took their idea of replicating the event in Durban to Clifton’s Director of Cricket, Brandon Scullard, and less than a year later the Clifton T20 had become a reality.
At the opening of the event, Grant Bashford, Clifton’s Director of Sport, addressed those parents who had proposed the tournament, saying that he would like to thank them for igniting the spark which had guided Clifton to bring the new event to fruition.
The Clifton T20 Tournament also offers something which has been missing from KZN schoolboys’ cricket: a trophy to be awarded to the winners. And the Clifton Centenary Cup is certainly an eye-catching piece of silverware, which would make a proud addition to any school’s trophy case.
Much of the cricket played in the province is of a traditional nature, with old rivalries being renewed every year. Yet, the one thing that hasn’t been available is a competition that finishes with the awarding of a trophy, until now.
Come Sunday afternoon, the winners will secure the honour of being the champions of the inaugural Clifton T20. Being the first to win something is always very special.
Adding a further sheen to the competition is the fact that both of the semi-finals and the final will be broadcast live on DStv SuperSport Channel 216. The action will also be available on the SuperSport Schools app.
The unpredictable nature of the game is sure to deliver some surprises, with the margins in the shorter forms of cricket sometimes being miniscule.
Former Zimbabwean international, David Mutendera, coaches the St John’s College team. As the sole contestants from outside of South Africa, they bring a bit of intrigue to the competition.
The Rams are, however, familiar friendly foes to the hosts, Clifton. The Durbanites have been attending the St John’s Rams T20 since 2014 and the schools have built up warm ties.
“Congratulations to Clifton on their centenary,” Mutendera said. Referencing his school’s tournament, upon which Clifton is now basing their T20, he added: “I think it is a wonderful concept. T20 is the world’s game now.
“With it being played in coloured clothing and using a white ball, it is especially exciting for the schools and the boys themselves.
“Clifton have attended our festival since 2014, and they have always loved it.
“They’ve played some wonderful cricket over the years and had some very good teams. They have always been a great addition to our festival.”
The presence of South African schools has boosted the St John’s Rams T20 over the years, but now it is the turn of the Zimbabwean school to boost the Clifton T20. Next year, St John’s will be joined by St George’s College, also of Harare, which will bring the Clifton T20 Tournament’s numbers to 12 teams, emulating exactly the St John’s Rams T20.
Speaking about the success of the tournament in Harare, Mutendera said: “It’s a lovely atmosphere, and there is lovely support from the parents. We have commentary, some music in the background. It’s not just about the cricket, it’s about creating a nice family environment, and exciting cricket.”
That has proven itself to be a winning recipe year after year.
The captains of the participating teams were asked about the competition in a Q & A session at the dinner, but they were quite non-committal, not wanting to give much away. There were clear hints, though, that they would fancy getting their hands on the impressive trophy.
They’ll begin their quest for glory early on Friday.
FIXTURES
Friday, 16 February
Riverside
08:30 – Clifton vs Glenwood
11:30 – DHS vs Westville
14:30 – Clifton vs St Charles
Durban North College
08:30 – St John’s vs Hilton
11:30 – Glenwood vs St John’s
Crusaders 1
08:30 – Northwood vs DHS
11:30 – Hilton vs St Charles
14:30 – Maritzburg College vs Westville
Crusaders 2
08:30 – Michaelhouse vs Maritzburg College
11:30 – Northwood vs Michaelhouse
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