JJ Bowers swaps St Augustine Cricket Club for Strandfontein Cricket Club

JJ BowersFile image: JJ Bowers.

Strandfontein Cricket Club have welcomed batsman JJ Bowers from St Augustine Cricket Club, ahead of the 2018-19 Western Province Cricket Association.

Bowers has joined a Strandfontein Cricket Club outfit determined to build on a second-place finish in 2017-18’s WPCA first division A, which ended early due to water shortages in Cape Town and surrounds.

Last month, the talented Keanan Mitchell was named Strandfontein Cricket Club’s new head coach. Mitchell has effectively succeeded former player-coach Kevin Heuvel.

Meanwhile, the WPCA have quashed rumours that the start of the 2018-19 club season will be delayed.

Preparation of pitches and fields has been slowed due a shortage of City of Cape Town-appointed contractors at grounds in need of significant improvement after a challenging 12 months.

The WPCA submitted the first and second draft of fixtures to all clubs earlier this month. Subject to feedback, the third and final lists, including the Ama20 Competition fixtures, are anticipated before the end of September.

“Amidst the current unrest and the rumours that are making the rounds, the City of Cape Town have been experiencing delays in terms internal financial processes,” read an excerpt from last week’s WPCA email.

“The WPCA have been in continuous contact with the City of Cape Town with regards to the delay and urgent need for contractors at facilities. The WPCA and the CoCT will continue to work together to ensure that fixtures take place as per the fixture dates – and that the Ama20 Competition commences on the 13 October 2018.

“We will be meeting the City of Cape Town to discuss the challenges faced – and to ensure that we have a full season. We urge clubs to remain focussed and positive for a successful 2018-19 club cricket season.”