On a lighter note, I thoroughly enjoyed my week’s sojourn and coaching inPlettenberg Baylast week. Plett is a gem of a place and the weather was superb, adding to the serenity. I conducted a clinic at thePlettPrimary Schoolfield with 10 to 13- year-olds. They were a pleasure to coach; eager, enthusiastic and most responsive.
Cricket in the area is popular although the kids suffer from lack of Saturday matches and regular competition among the schools.
The South Western Districts area is vast comprising Plett, Knysna, George,MosselBayand Oudsthoorn, so travel for parents and pupils is extensive. My invitation to Plett was actually due to my other form of coaching – ‘beach cricket’ at Mbotyi River Lodge during the Easter holidays.
The young guests and parents so enjoyed this form of cricket that an energetic Julie Carlisle, a Plett resident, organised for me to go there. She was able to galvanise other parents and the resident academy coach, Craig Christie, into action. And so an intensive, enjoyable four-day coaching course was experienced by many.
The trip also enabled me to catch up with old friend, former WP, Border and SA teammate, Kenny McEwan, who now resides at Goose Valley/Turtle Creek.
