The Rhodes 4th XI cricket team, more commonly known as The Shrews, are embarking on a once in a lifetime tour of the Western Cape in September. However, this tour has more to it than 11 guys in white uniforms chasing red leather in searing heat for eight hours. As skipper Ross Alford says, “When Shrews tour, it’s not just about the cricket!”
The Rhodes 4th XI cricket team, more commonly known as The Shrews, are embarking on a once in a lifetime tour of the Western Cape in September. However, this tour has more to it than 11 guys in white uniforms chasing red leather in searing heat for eight hours. As skipper Ross Alford says, “When Shrews tour, it’s not just about the cricket!”
The tour takes place from 11-18 September and will see them travel along the Garden Route to Cape Town, via Knysna and Plettenberg Bay.
They are scheduled to play three matches – one in Knysna, against the "Raggies" and a further two in Cape Town, including a much-anticipated clash against a Rhodes Old Boys team.
The Shrews squad brings something special to their 2011 Western Cape tour, however. They are collaborating with two charities on their tour – one in the KwaNokuthula Township, in Plettenberg Bay. The other is the Out of Africa Children’s Fund, based in Cape Town.
The Shrews are collecting food, old clothing and blankets to be handed out at these charities. Goods can be donated in the basket at Pick n Pay marked “Shrews Tour”.
Rhodes third-year photojournalism student, Andrew Brukman, will be accompanying the team and will document the entire tour.
Photos of the charity events can be seen on www.outofafricacf.org.
Upon returning to Grahamstown, Brukman will be making a slideshow that will encompass all elements of the tour – sport, community engagement and team spirit.
In an effort to raise funds for the tour, the Shrews are holding a raffle with some tempting prizes, including vouchers from Steers, Dulcé Café, and Pick n Pay.
The main prize is an exciting three-minute "Trolley Dash” around Pick n Pay, in an old school Reggie’s Rush fashion. Tickets cost just R10 and are on sale from the friendly Shrews members, who will be seen pushing trolleys around town in their full cricket kit during the next few weeks. For more information contact Shrews Manager, Greg Lowndes, at 082 350 5248.
