Northern Cape youth cricket showcases talent at Wildeklawer 2025 tournament

THE 2025 Wildeklawer Primary Schools Cricket Tournament, held from September 19 to November 8, showcased some of the best youth cricket talent in the Northern Cape and beyond. 

Schools from across the province, and even one from the Free State, competed in a tournament marked by skill, intensity, and sportsmanship.

According to organisers and those who attended the games, this year’s matches were competitive and closely fought, with several semi-finals and finals decided by as little as one run. Players and coaches gave their all, and for many, the chance to play under lights for the first time added a memorable professional touch to the experience.

Girls' cricket continues to grow

The girls’ division drew attention as schools embraced the chance to compete on equal footing with the boys. This year’s competition highlighted the talent and potential of young female cricketers, reflecting the continued growth and inclusivity of girls’ cricket in the province.

Exciting finals and standout performances

The weather added a touch of suspense, but rain only fell at the end of match days. The boys’ final concluded in the rain, with Laerskool Kathu emerging as Cup Winners after a close match against Laerskool Seodin. In other boys’ team competitions, Kimberley Junior School secured the Shield title, followed by Op Die Voorpos, while St. Patrick’s CBC claimed the Plate trophy ahead of Douglas.

In the girls’ division, Laerskool Oranje-Noord won the Cup, with Staats Primary School finishing as runners-up. HC Rose Hub claimed the Plate, followed by Frank Roro Hub.

The 2025 tournament also introduced the Wildeklawer Cap Honour Roll, recognising players who achieved exceptional individual performances. Boys earned the honour for scoring fifty or more runs or taking five or more wickets, while girls needed 30 runs or three wickets. This year, 45 players made the Honour Roll — 28 batters and 17 bowlers — joining Wildeklawer history for their standout achievements.

Individual awards went to several exceptional young cricketers. 

Willem Adriaan van der Merwe from Laerskool Eureka earned Best Batsman, accumulating 486 runs, while Braydon Koopman took home Best Bowler with 33 wickets. In the girls’ competition, Marie Brockman of Laerskool Oranje-Noord was named Best Batter with 138 runs, and her teammate Danelle Kruger claimed Best Female Bowler with 12 wickets. Van der Merwe and Brockman also earned the top overall honours as Best Overall Male and Female Players, respectively.

Thanks to sponsors and supporters

The tournament’s success was made possible by the support of Wildeklawer, along with Point S and NTLO Embroidery. Organisers also acknowledged the commitment of schools, coaches, umpires, and supporters, whose enthusiasm and sportsmanship helped make 2025 another memorable year.

As the curtain falls on this edition, the tournament continues to provide a platform for young talent to shine, and the future of cricket in the Northern Cape looks brighter than ever.