It has taken decades of hard slog and commitment, but Hollywoodbets PE Cricket Club have reasserted themselves as a force to be reckoned with after clinching a rare silverware double at the weekend.
They accomplished this by beating NMU’s Madibaz in the league’s final at St George’s Park B to be crowned the champion team for the first time in 20 years.
PECC won the league in 1995 before beating Durban Crusaders in the national club championships final. That all-conquering side won the league four more times until 2000, missing out only in 1996. In 2005, they pulled it off again with a team coached by Russell Domingo.
PECC won the league in 1995 before beating Durban Crusaders in the national club championships final.
On Sunday, PECC batted methodically to chase down the students’ target of 157 to win by three wickets with 5.4 overs to spare.
Jarryd Lookwhy (62) and Sonwabile Tshona (50) made half-centuries for the Madibaz.
Corne Jordaan, Brian Jack and Cayden Wilson took three wickets each for the hosts, while Jade Smith (20), Wezo Gqiba (31), Wilson (21), and Brian Jack (29) all chipped in as their captain Divan Meyer took them over the line with an unbeaten 22
PECC president Garret Perry, who doubles as the team’s coach, said their success was a result of the club’s togetherness.
“We had a five-year plan to get where we are,” Perry said.
“It took a lot of work and buying in from the players. We also did not lose a lot of players but gained some valuable ones.
“We have always said we want to be a family-orientated club where everyone feels welcome and feels like a family.
“Winning both trophies this season has emphasised how close we have become as a family and club.
“We cry together, laugh together and celebrate together.”
Some of the players Perry referred to were Warriors professionals Beyers Swanepoel, Jordan Hermann and brothers JP and CJ King.
“We are blessed to have Beyers, Jordan, JP and CJ playing for us.
“But if I look back at the entire season, we had one game where we fielded all four.
“If we were lucky, we fielded two in a game, but for 95% of the season, it was the true club player who got us to the final.
“Our pros, however, would rock up at training sessions and fines meetings after their games always wanting to be a part of the team.”
Perry said the team’s performance contributed to their success this season, but some players stood out.
“I feel making special mention of certain players is hard on the rest as this has been an unbelievable season as a team.
“But I don’t think the team will disagree if I mention our opening pair of batters Jade Smith and Wezo Gqiba who contributed seven 50-plus opening stands and our new ball all-rounders Corne Jordaan and Brian Jack. Also, the leadership of captain Divan Meyer.”
It is tough running a cricket club today, with challenges on and off the field. Perry had a special word for their sponsors.
“We would not be where we are if it was not for the backing of Hollywoodbets, our naming rights sponsor.
“Their backing and support, even through challenging Covid-19 times, has been probably one of the biggest pillars of the club’s success.
“Also, the fact that we have never been seen as favourites. We would rock up, do what we can do to the best of our abilities that we received from God, and play for each other.”
PECC will now attempt to win the regional title in Gqeberha on Saturday against a Border team yet to be confirmed.
The winner qualifies for the national club championships.
The Herald
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