MATT THEEDOM, JAMES PARKIN, OLLIE PYNE, SHANE EVENDEN, ELIOTT ACTON, JOE WEBB, THOMAS WHITTLE,

ADAM DIBBLE, JAMES FLETCHER, SCOTT BOARDMAN, ROBBIE DEBENHAM, LUKE BESS, MARK ORCHARD,

This was the fourth tour to Cape Town and Mpumalanga.The party comprised fourteen players, 10 from the 2004 season Under 14 squad and 4 from the U13s.

We won fewer games than in previous years but there is no doubt that the quality of opposition was higher than previously encountered and provided a very tough challenge.

Six games were played in the Cape Town area including a two day match against Western Province U14 and 50 Over games against Western Province U15 and Boland U15, a programme that would be demanding for any county squad The visit to Kruger also proved a tough ask with our hosts bringing together the best players from the region.

Having said that, we consider ourselves very fortunate to have the opportunity to play at such a high level and on some of the best grounds in the region- precisely why we travel 6000 miles.

While  some players found difficulty in coping with the standard and intensity of cricket others   relished the challenge and turned in some impressive performances, especially against the strong provincial teams. In particular James Parkin (Kentisbeare CC) , Robbie Debenham (Exmouth CC) and James Burke (Plymstock CC)– one of the younger players.

Yet again the hospitality we received was superb. We have every reason to be very grateful to our hosts who did so much to make the visit so memorable, in particular Nabeal Dien in Cape Town and Frik Rossouw and Jannie Geldenhuys in Kruger.