Blind cricket was the winner in a double-header T20 encounter between LOFOB Blind Cricket and Worcester Victorians Blind Cricket played at the Parkwood sports complex in Grassy Park, on Sunday, January 28.
Phillip Bam, spokesperson for League of Friends of the Blind (LOFOB), said blind people are encouraged to take part in sport as part of their holistic independence development training.
“One of the sporting codes that is receiving a lot of interest is blind cricket. The LOFOB Blind Cricket team, with players from all over the metro, offers visually impaired persons an opportunity to interact and build self-esteem. Sunday saw players from the Boland area matching their skills against those in the Cape metro.
The scorching sun was not going to deter the blind cricketers from enjoying a day of cricket.
In the first match of the day, Worcester won the toss and sent LOFOB in to bat. Israel Hatting, a B2 player (not totally blind) led LOFOB to victory with his 88 not out in a superb show of batting skill. LOFOB put up a score of 139/4 after 20 overs.
Worcester trailed behind in their innings as they put up a valiant effort to chase 140. However, Worcester only reached 109 in its 20 overs.
In the second match of the day, Worcester went in to bat first, scoring 133.
Edrich Ter Haar, B1(totally blind) scored 28 with Alonzo Mapu contributing 32 to their total of 133.
LOFOB went in with enthusiasm and determination to make the best of it and succeeded to chase 134, winning the match by 4 wickets.
Israel Hattingh reached 55 not out and captain Darren Ehlers contributed 16.
“Blind cricket is played with a hard plastic white ball containing bearings to make a sound for the blind player to track the ball. The clang against the bright red and white metal stumps confirms a direct hit or run-out,” said Mr Bam.
Shahiemah Edwards, LOFOB executive director and assistant manager of Western Province Blind Cricket, said: “It is just awesome to see blind people interacting and (honing) cricket skills to prepare them for possible selection to the Western Province Blind Cricket team and South African Blind Cricket team to be international sports people. We wish to encourage the cricketing world to support the development of blind people, helping us to change what it means to be blind.”
For more information LOFOB can be contacted on 021 705 3753 or info@lofob.org.za