The West Coast Rollers had their end-of-season awards on Saturday, with Jacques Laubscher proving a very popular choice as our 2009/10 Player of the Year.
‘Scooter’ was his consistent self on the field, scoring 146 at an average of 18.3, and taking eight wickets at just over 10 apiece, with best figures of 3/29.
But Jacques was honoured as much for his work on the field as off it. Always one of the first to respond to mails, he was always there to help out if we need a player at the last minute, and was a hero for the Vintage Rollers after Dave Hillman got stuck in hospital, often arranging last-minute change of venues or caterers.
He also significantly boosted the Rollers kitty by building the coffee table that was raffled off, so once again Jacques, a massive thank you to you. A team man if in the truest sense of the word.
Oh, and he also makes a mean garlic steak.
Our two young guns, Louis Pretorius and Cornell Keulder, walked away with Batsman and Bowler of the Year respectively. It’s been great to get two old Koeberg boys back in the fold, and the fact that a) they’re pretty good and b) perfectly fit our social circle is even better.
For the record, Louis hit 229 runs at an average of 76.3, with almost 60% of his runs coming in boundaries, while Cornell was devastating (for both batsmen and wicketkeepers) with the ball, picking up 15 wickets at 6.1 per stick. And this was achieved in only 31 overs, meaning a wicket every other over!
At the function we also introduced our ‘captain’s joker’ for next season, which will allow the skipper to intervene in the batting line-up just once if a situation demands it.
We also mentioned our pre-season tour to Robertson, so start sharpening up on your brandy drinking so long.
Congratulations to Jakes Oberholzer’s wife for winning the coffee table, and thanks to the Hillmans for having us at their pad and being excellent hosts as always.
It’s been a tough old season and not the best results-wise, but I’m pretty sure we’ll get back to our old selves next time around and go on another four-year unbeaten run – especially with Dave being more actively involved (come on new knee!).