Westbourne House cricketers with their hosts in Treverton
YOUNG cricketers from Westbourne House School enjoyed a successful cricket tour to Kwazulu Natal, South Africa.
In a series of seven games, all the squad were given the opportunity to contribute. Results were good against strong opposition, with most teams including state players.
The boys were hosted by their various opponents and this became one of the highlights of the tour.
Friendships were formed and the boys remain in touch through Facebook and Xbox Live.
Westbourne House head of sport Kevin Smith said: “One highlight was a visit to a township school where the children had very little. A high percentage of the students are affected by HIV and live in poverty.
“Every boy took with them a number of football shirts and after an impromptu match the mementoes were handed over – to the delight of the youngsters. Their smiles will live long in our memories.”
The boys also spent two days on a game reserve, seeing most of the big five. A visit to a crocodile farm gave everyone the opportunity to hold a four-year-old croc and all the squad were called into action to support a 15ft python.
“Spending a day and night in a Zulu camp was another highlight, learning their culture and even how to fight and dance like Zulus,” added Mr Smith. “A boat trip on Lake St Lucia introduced the boys to hippos while at the Sharks Board we learned about the predators and saw a large ragged tooth shark dissected.
“The boys enjoyed a tour of the Moses Mohiba stadium – the new national venue following the football World Cup. To let off steam we visited Ushaka, a wet and wild theme park, and the boys were also given the chance to learn to surf.
“The trip was a huge success and importantly the boys were great ambassadors for the school and country. The tour company, Bundu Bashers, have never had so much praise for a touring group.
“The boys so impressed a traveller on one flight, he offered all the boys a free lunch at a Nandos restaurant.”
Tours don’t happen without much hard work and the school thanked Mr Smith and his wife for their efforts.
Enabling the group to look the part was Paul Heber and his company Savoy Management Investments.
