Three weeks to go! It’s strange to think we’ve been here for five weeks already, but the enjoyment factor is still as strong as at the beginning. This week was a little different to other weeks as we had to go to ‘prep’ every night. Prep is basically study-time from 6:30 – 9 o’clock. For us this meant prep time in the gym!
The highlights of this week were on the only two nights we didn’t have prep. On Wednesday we went to a Pro20 game between the Chevrolet Warriors and the Cape Cobras. The famous players on show were Mark Boucher, Ashwell Prince, Makhya Ntini, Vernon Philander and Owais Shah. We enjoyed watching this close-fought game as the Cobras were chasing 150. Warriors’ batsman Craig Thyssen struck an amazing 100 metre six. The game was won by the Cobras, to the disgust of the crowd! The following night we changed sport and went to see a Kwa-Zulu Sharks v Eastern Province Kings rugby match. The Sharks ran out 38-13 winners with ex-Muir head boy Shane Gates playing well in only his second match. We really enjoyed the games. Another personal high of the trip was the call-out I received in assembly on Friday to go and accept a trophy for the 6 wickets I got last week. A proud moment for sure!
The games at the weekend were unfortunately less enjoyable than those in midweek. We were playing against Kingswood, supposedly the best school in the province. The seconds were playing in Kingswood (which is an hour and a half away) while the first team had another home match. The other lads had to wake up at six o’clock! Not a pleasant start to a day that only got worse, with all the Irish lads making less than 15 in a disastrous 47 all- out. The firsts’ game was only slightly better with me making 13 in a 99 all-out. I opened the bowling with six overs for 12 runs - my only “nearly” wicket called as a no-ball. Not a good day, as none of the other lads bowled. Both Kingswood teams chased their score one wicket down.
It’s also been getting hotter during the last few days with 35 degrees a high yesterday! School is still the same as always and training is very tiring. I’m not sure it’s possible to get used to the heat!
With three weeks left we’re trying to make best use of everything that’s at our disposal, including the school gym, nets, swimming pool and opportunities to try new things (such as Springbok Pie, which was really tasty).
Despite looking forward to going home I know I don’t want to. Not just yet anyway!
I’ll blog again soon,
Thomas Anders