Cobras, Knights match abandoned
by Pete le Grange 29 September 2012, 09:27
Persistent rain was the winner as the Sunfoil Series match at Paarl between the Nashua Mobile Cape Cobras and the Chevrolet Knights was abandoned early on the third scheduled day without a ball bowled.
With the miserable weather continuing into the third morning, the decision was taken early on that no play would be possible.
In terms of the playing conditions, each team will be awarded five points. Even if the teams had played a single innings match on the final day, the prize for the winners in such a case is just six points, and nothing to the losers – or in fact to either team in the event of a draw.
The weather forecast for tomorrow is a bit better, but the Boland Park outfield, not known for its good drainage, has taken such a pounding that there was no hope of even getting in a single-innings match on Sunday.
Paul Adams, the newly appointed coach of the Cape Cobras, was philosophical about the situation. “You can’t control the weather” was his simple summary.
What he can do is ensure that his players remain focussed on the job at hand. It is the franchise cricketer’s lot to board a merry-go-round of constant practice, travel and match play as the season sees little chance for time off.
Adams feels that the players must be given the chance to enjoy downtime where it is available.
So, after a first inspection of the sodden Boland Park outfield on Thursday, it was back to their comfortable accommodation at Pearl Valley, where the players were able to relax by watching World T20 matches on television, play video games or just chill out.
Adams feels it is unneccessary to keep the boys busy with indoor nets or other cricket-related activity when the programme is so hectic, and would rather see the players hungry for success when they do cross the white line.
There has been a busy period of pre-season preparation, it is important that the players stay in the right frame of mind.
Rain in the Cape at this time of the year is a reality that cricketers must face.
The pitch at Paarl had been covered since Tuesday, and damp and greasy conditions were to be expected.
The curator at Boland Park has been hard at work over the last two years to revive what has often been considered a graveyard.
Results in recent times do indicate a better cricket wicket. Adams said that there is now more grass on the table, allowing the groundsman more options in preparing the match pitch.
Adams was appointed as head coach of the Cape Cobras on 1 July, and he has been busy setting up structures at the franchise.
It is a different challenge from coaching at the Western Cape Academy, but Adams' time there brought him into contact with several young players such as Beuren Hendricks, Dane Piedt and Yaseen Vallie who are all now wanting to make their mark at senior level.
The understanding Adams developed with the youngsters at the Academy is now assisting him in honing their skills at franchise level.
At the same time, Adams is still young enough to have played alongside the veterans in the team such as Andrew Puttick, and has a good relationship with the senior players as well.
The Cobras now have a week off before returning to Paarl for a match against the Chevrolet Warriors, starting on 11 October.
The Knights also have a week off before travelling to KwaZulu-Natal to face the Dolphins.
Report Day 1
Report Day 2
