2025

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Letter of support for the event

The 2025 Montrose Night Challenge has arrived. After all the craziness and uncertainty of the past few years, I am proud that Montrose continues to welcome all schools to this year’s 23rd event since inception. Montrose Primary School has coordinated this event over the past 22 years and as Lions Cricket we are excited that this iconic school’s event will be celebrating its 23rd Birthday in 2025! The tournament continues to be the biggest inter-primary school day/night tournament of its type in South Africa and this year there are, 12 cricket teams and 15 netball teams both in the U11 and Open age groups competing for gold and title of CHAMPIONS!! It is incredible that over 540 players get the opportunity to participate in this prestigious event during the year in the different age groups.
I trust 2025 will be a very exciting year for the schools. I hope the flag of your school always flies high and that your school continues to celebrate sport and the impact it makes in the lives of many.
Over the 8 weeks of the tournament the focus will be on the players and the exciting cricket and netball that will be taking place. This is indeed a fantastic opportunity for all involved. The night cricket and netball are an enriching experience, giving the players involved the opportunity to play under lights and in different conditions. They will learn a great deal by playing at night and I trust that they will forge new friendships and take something away from the event that will stand them in good stead for the future.
I would like all the players in this tournament to always remember that they are representing their school, their families and themselves. Another key principle of a team sport is that no one is more important than the team. To do well the team will have to form a unit and play for each other while always remembering that performances are achieved when you play with love and freedom.
I would like to say a big thank you to the staff of Montrose who have once again spent many hours planning and organizing the event as a series of this nature would not be possible without the support of them, the school and sponsorship from businesses, families and friends. My sincere thanks also goes to the staff, parents and participating schools for making this great event possible once again. Take a look through this tournament website and see which companies are investing in your child’s future and giving him/her such a wonderful opportunity. I am so pleased and grateful that Mr Sachin Ahuja and the Alfeco Group family are the naming rights partner of this event. The Ahuja family have been a big part of this event over many years and to now have them investing in so many schools and lives is greatly appreciated. Without them and all the other key sponsors this event would not take place and on behalf of Montrose Primary I would like to thank all of the partners for their continued support and care. I salute you, the generous sponsors for making such a huge difference in the lives of so many and for allowing every participant to DREAM BIG. Thank you.
I am proud to say that Lions Cricket has once again put their stamp of approval on this event so to all the players, have an amazing four weeks, play hard, but most importantly have fun and enjoy every moment.“Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire, the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sports can create hope, where there was once only despair. It is more powerful than governments in breaking down racial barriers. It laughs in the face of all types of discrimination.” Nelson MandelaYours in sport and building South Africa together,Jono Leaf-Wright
Lions Cricket CEO

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Letter from the principal

Welcome to another four weeks of action-packed cricket and netball. I am looking forward to witnessing some excellent matches and strong, fair competition.
The next four weeks will push and challenge every single player to their limit. It is not an easy thing to manage at such a young age but it builds character and determination, as well as developing a great team culture which can only stand them in good stead in years to come.
A very big thank you must go to all the companies who have sponsored us this year, your generosity is most appreciated. At the same time a huge thank you must once again go to Jono Leaf-Wright for the incredible amount of time and effort he has put into making this event take place. His continual drive, enthusiasm and dedication are admirable. He is a true role model for the boys and girls participating and the coaches. He sets high standards and he expects these qualities from both the children and the coaches. A special thanks to Jono, for making a difference in the lives of so many people, both young and old.
Apart from Jono, I would like to thank Gwen Nelson for all her administration behind the scenes, ensuring that everything is ready for the series. Thank you too to Bronwyn Zeelie for organising the netball and the Sports Department for assisting wherever and whenever they could. Thank you to my entire team, from the educators to the support staff, for all their support and encouragement. Without this wonderful team working together Montrose Primary School would not be the special place it is.
Finally, to the boys and girls taking part. I hope that you have a fantastic and memorable series and know that this will be a learning experience for you. Always believe in the strength of your team and remember that inspiration, motivation and encouragement is sometimes more important than skill. Never forget that you will also be representing your schools and your behaviour on and off the field should reflect that.
“Great players are willing to give up their own personal achievement for the achievement of the group. It enhances everybody.” - Kareem Abdul-JabbarWishing you all a wonderful four weeks of good company, and outstanding entertainment from all the budding cricketers and netball players.Kind regardsSonette van Loggerenberg
Principal

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• CRICKET TEAMS
• CRICKET FIXTURES
• CRICKET RULES

• SCOREBOARD

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Well done to all the players
on their selection for their teams!

POOL 1

REDHILL

Nicholas Hilburn
Tadiwa Muchanya
Dominic Verwey
Jordan Moore
Andrew Brown
Grayson Hodges
Khayalethu Khaka
Alexander Oxenham
Joshua van Eck
Nathan Sammering
Joshua Garfinkel
Daniel Botha
Connor Lawson
Vosloo Schoeman

CRAWFORD SANDTON

Maximus Franzsen
Rohit Ekhambaram
Matt Khansefid
Israel Owami Manyi
Kyle Osner
Kabelo Bulle
Abhay Keshaw
Ayden Singh
David Tukisi
Liam Meyers
Luke Agapitus

GRAYSTON

Mehul Mistry
Shivank Seethiraju
Mark Veliades
Luke Veliades
Greg Veliades
Cooper Smith
Luke Hart
Anashe Murimba
Gabriel Bossenger
Unnabh Jain
Rayhaan Abdool-Gaffar
Tshegofatso Mothemane

POOL 2

KPT LIONS

Ateeb Patel
Hamzah Ismail
Vedant Kulkarni
Sibusiso Ngixi
Omphile Senokwane
Musa Molefe
Yaqeen Legardien
Thabo Zwane
Atlehang Marwela
Kurhula Ngobeni
Thapelo Malebo
Thuto Senosi
Ovuthando Mashele

BRYNEVEN

Matshidi Schreiber
Asher Foster
Takondwa Mnukwa
Darshveer Bhalal
Nqubeka Thabethe
Theon Mamdoo
Justin Browning
Lwambeso Mkuyana
Anjana Ashol
Kade Bain Venn
Logan Aucamp
Mark Maisel

DAINFERN

Claudio Bevilacqua
Dylan Brauns
Andrew Hurly
Thomas Lloyd
Kagiso Mathibe
Bevan McWilliams
Rio Patel
Jacob Schneeberger
Charles Smyth
Coope Swindon
Kyle Thurlet
Arcan Vizirgianakis
Tomas Welthagen

POOL 3

MONTROSE

Caden Edwards
Lesedi Challies
Luke Athanassiou
Warona Daunemigha
Tatenda Mari
Akul Gupta
Syun Sooknunan
Rishabh Kumar
Ntando Adonis
Leano Sibiya
Panshul Kaggere
Yuv Thakur
Kayden Samlaal
Hemanth Chadalavada

CRAWFORD LONEHILL

Jake Kerr
Khieran Slater
Ethan Kretzmar
Dhruv Singh
Finley Niven
Connor De La Cour
Alex Nemeth
Yajur Juggernath
Daniel Palmer
Samrudh N
Zingce Mahlangeni
Caleb Truter
Oliver Nemeth

HERONBRIDGE

Nate Jardim
Ryder Gordon
Aaron Schoeman
Callum Geerdink
Dylan Kietzmann
Ethan Steyn
Jayden Grobler
Brocke Kinsley
Nikolas Kotras
Carter Krull
Nicholas Ross
Taegan East

POOL 4

RIVONIA

Devon Smith
Thuto Moleko
Keyan Davids's
Matthew Martin
Tristan Vermeulen
Tristan Osborn
Mark Rossouw
Alex Poccock
Ben Poccork
Gareth Vandrau
Aadam Badrodin
Alex Mitchley
Ricardo Scarola
Ethan Naidoo

ALEX HUB

Tshireletso Mokoena
Khumo Tsebe
Siyabonga Blake
Lethabo Maselesele
Anikait Chinthakindi
Junior Rono
Kutloano Mtshali
Sandisokuhle Nene
Nyakallo Mohlomenyane
Avi Hanuman
Unami Mbulali
Thato Nhlapho

BRYANDALE

David Shepard
Joshua Ninon
Benjamin Shimmin
Camron Gould
Matthew Dorman
Connor Soulsby
Keagan Brits
Callum Clutters
Troy Leps
Zeke Ghansar
James Mann
Zevyel Chetty
Hemav Chatterjee
Sebastian Boffelli

Please click on the 2025 U13 team pics below to see them full size. (More team pics coming soon)

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The following rules will apply for matches in the challenge and must be adhered to:
1. The teams may consist of players that are a minimum age of 11 (turning 11 in the year of the challenge). Players may not be older than 14 years old and MUST still be in Primary School.
2. Matches will start promptly at the times listed below. Teams will be penalized by having overs deducted from their batting innings if they are late. Boys are to meet their coaches at Montrose Primary School at least half an hour before the start of their matches. Any late arrivals of teams, individual players or coaches will be penalized.
3. There is no need for a toss as teams bat and bowl at prescribed times according to the fixtures, which have been spaced out fairly for all schools involved. Therefore, all boys get an equal opportunity to bat, bowl and field at different times each week. For the semi-finals and finals, please note, a toss will decide who bats or bowls first.
4. Matches will be limited to 20 overs each and teams are required to bowl their 20 overs in 60 minutes.
5. For each over not completed in the 60 minutes the opposition will be awarded 10 runs onto their total after the full 20 overs has been completed. A grace period will be given for extenuating circumstances eg. injury, ball loss etc. Teams need to be aware that the end result can be awarded differently based on this rule.
6. Each bowler will have a maximum of 4 overs. A minimum of 4 overs of spin bowling is required.
7. There will be an 8 metre limit for run ups, which will be indicated by a mark on the field.
8. A maximum of 8 balls per over will be allowed, but 6 legitimate balls must be bowled in the last over.
9. All no balls are a free hit on the next ball. Barring the last ball of the over, where the free hit will be taken on the first ball of the next over.
10. If a ball lands off the pitch it is a no ball.
11. Every ball down leg side is a wide.
12. Normal fielding restrictions will apply.
13. As the challenge is on a round-robin basis the following points will be awarded.
• 4 points for a win
• 2 points for a tie or in event of a game being rained out.
• 0 points for a loss
• 1 point for losing by less than 10 runs.
• 1 bonus point for a team scoring 100 runs in their innings.
• 2 bonus points for scoring more than 200 runs in their innings.
• 3 bonus points for scoring more than 300 runs in their innings.
• 1 bonus point for a team taking at least 7 wickets.
• 2 bonus point for a team bowling out the opposition.
• Should a team batting second achieve the winning total with at least 4 overs to spare they will be awarded 1 bonus point.
• Should a team batting second achieve the winning total with at least 10 overs to spare they will be awarded 2 bonus point.
14. In the event of rain or an unexpected stoppage during a match the ‘Duckworth Lewis Stern Method’ will be used.
15. If a match is rained out an alternative date will try to be made if it is at all possible. Due to both coaches and boys commitments to school and area cricket, this will however, be highly unlikely.
16. If there should be a tie at the end of a pool: The result between the teams in the pool will be used. If this does not decide who wins, most bonus points then most runs scored will be used to decide, if there is still no winner, most wickets taken by a team will be the decider.
17. Semi-finals – The top team in each pool will play.
18. There will be a 10 run penalty incurred for any unacceptable behaviour by parents, coaches or players and any umpire abuse. Negative parental involvement will not be tolerated in any form. Should any person choose to interfere in the tournament without going through the correct channels, the organizers reserve the right to instruct the person concerned to leave the premises immediately.
19. Ntsongo Sibiya will be the tournament referee.
20. Neutral Umpires will be used for all matches.

Montrose Primary School’s Playing conditions: Clause: “At the instant of delivery, there may not be more than 5 fieldsmen outside the circle.” In addition, further fielding restrictions shall apply to certain overs in each innings. The nature of such fielding restrictions and the overs during which they shall apply are set out in the following paragraphs.There will be two powerplays of 3 overs each, one batting powerplay and one bowling powerplay. While these powerplays are on additional fielding restrictions shall apply (Fielding Restriction Overs). One semi-circle shall be drawn on the field of play. These powerplay overs can be called by either the batting team or bowling team at anytime. If both the batting and bowling team want to take the powerplay at the same time the bowling team will take preference. If both teams have not taken the powerplay at all then the powerplay overs will automatically kick in for the last 6 overs of the innings. If one of the sides has not taken the powerplay then it will automatically kick in for the last 3 overs of the innings. During the Fielding Restriction Overs only two fielders shall be permitted outside this fielding restriction area at the instant of delivery. During the non Fielding Restriction Overs, no more than 5 fielders shall be permitted outside the fielding restriction area referred to in the clause above. In circumstances when the number of overs of the batting team is reduced, the Number of Fielding Restriction Overs shall be reduced in accordance with the Table below. For the sake of clarity, it should be noted that the table shall apply to both the 1st and 2nd innings of the match.

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• NETBALL TEAMS
• NETBALL FIXTURES
• NETBALL RULES

• SCOREBOARD

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Well done to all the players
on their selection for their teams!

BRYANDALE

Mia Roe Delaney
Layla Swartz
Ariel Lewis Williams
Botlhale Makitla
Gabrielle Naidoo
Andreia De Beer
Amy Wessels
Kearebetswe Tabile
Madison Brits
Hlelo Mtsewu

BRYNEVEN

Katherine Kyere
Onako Ngxola
Haylee Govender
Zama Mbambo
Alwande Langa
Isabella Hofmeyer
Genevieve Lea
Lilitha Mbayisa

CRAWFORD FOURWAYS

Onalerona Mphafi
Mekenzie Cox
Elami Sigodi
Phiwokuhle Ndhlovu
Phiwokuhle Mlungwana
Nakedi Modiba
Busisiwe Mthenjwa
Saiyuri Nair
Anothando Duma

CRAWFORD LONEHILL

Neha Singh
Tshiamo Molefe
Tintswalo Mabatha
Zalika Citeko
Nala Polela
Maliha Badsha
Khaka Lumka
Mira van Niekerk

CRAWFORD SANDTON

Ayvah Jacob
Kutlwano Koboyatau
Taskeen Vachiat
Tintswalo Sono
Mishayla Meyer
Nala Nkomo
Zanda Penze
Skyler Silva
Philisiwe Shesi
Brunelle Kazadi

CHIPPA MAVERICKS

Bokamoso Mojela
Senamile Sikolo
Lungile Ramushu
Siphesihle Khumalo
Keabetswe Rakgogo
Akhona
Simphiwe Ramushu
Keamogetswe Kgosana
Boitumelo
Samkelo Mojela
Akhona Qegwana

CURRO AURORA

Amy von Brandis
Jo-Anne Hausberger
Isabella Kennedy
Orifha Tsatsawane
Caitlin Edwards
Uyanda Ngwane
Ziyanda Kraai
Taytum Kern
Ava Carminati
Shalom Shirichena

DAINFERN

Dané Brauns
Milla Mackenzie
Tadiswa Nyachoto
Kara Pillay
Reatile Motaung
Jorja Petzer
Drew Turner-Wach
Kelly Johnson
Carrie Jansen van Vuuren
Bontle Leepile

GRAYSTON

Sian Le Grange
Emma Gotthardt
Gabriella Pearse
Laura Hardy
Thalia Naidoo
Aaradhya Suresh
Abigail de Jong
Ina Blose
Caitlyn Hauser
Sofia Ruscic

HERONBRIDGE

Sarai Jacobs
Bohlale Mashimbye
Faith Mcube
Megan Sanders
Layla Savadier
Mackenzie Morgan
Abigail Walter
Uluthanda Zwane
Sarah Keir
Holly Westerdale

MONTROSE

Nozipho Mpambela
Eza Ndema
Buhlebomdali Thipe
Khanyisile Diedricks
Katlego Sithole
Ciara Willson
Keemaya Moodley
Aarna Polj
Thandolwethu Ndlovu
Luthando Cele

REDDAM WATERVAL

Zenande Ndungane
Shalom Mukoma
Juliet Weyers
Daiah Munsamy
Kiana Ellenson
Licham Horo
Rethabile Kashe
Angelique Lange
Pholoso Mokoena
Dhara Amin

REDHILL

Alyssa Pilgrim
Caitlin Heggie
Cleo van der Merwe
Erin Abt
Gabriella Nieuvenhuizen
Holly Dorrenstein-Rowley
Nonthuthuko Lunga
Paballo Phadi
Rumbi Kugotsi
Taylor Herman

RIVONIA

Chiara Reeve
Sienna Seagram
Emma Steyn
Makenna Dauncey
Isabella Soglo
Lotana Charles
Nova-Jayne Ramsey
Yoela Koranteng
Chloe Weare
Taylor Gomes

STEYN CITY

Emilie de Zeeuw
Bhavya JaiJai
Bonolo Manguba
Theresho Seima
Andile Phiri
Sinovuyo Mkhathazo
Ellyhaika Eze
Shona Radebe

Please click on the 2025 U13 team pics below to see them full size. (More team pics coming soon)

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7 FEBRUARY 2025 – OPENING CEREMONY

Opening Ceremony will commence @ 17:00 (Games will commence after the Opening Ceremony)

FRIDAY 14 FEBRUARY 2025

FRIDAY 28 FEBRUARY 2025

FRIDAY 7 MARCH 2025: CLOSING CEREMONY

Closing Ceremony will commence @ 17:00 (Games will commence after the Closing Ceremony, time tbc)

Prize Giving (as soon as cricket final is completed)

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Netball Tournament Judge/Referee/Organiser: Bronwyn ZeelieThe tournament caters for the U13 A netball teams.
Three reserves per team are allowed (a total of ten players per team).
Each school must provide their own scorer; this may not be a learner or parent. A teacher or coach may assist with scoring. Scorers from opposing teams must stand socially distanced from each other on the same side and consult at regular intervals to ensure the scoring is consistent.U13 team:
Players must be no older than 14 years (born in 2010) of age for this series in 2024 (must be a Primary School learner).The umpire’s decision is final!
Only neutral umpires will be umpiring all the games. Their grading cards will always be kept with the netball organiser.
Only umpires and players wearing the correct sport shoes will be allowed on the court. Only the players, scorers, umpires and 1 coach per school may be on the court during a game. All reserves are to be seated.Netball Rules:
Only umpires and players wearing the correct sport shoes will be allowed on the court. Only the players, scorers, umpires and 1 coach per school may be on the court during a game. All reserves are to be seated.Jewellery
• Players must remove all jewellery before the start of a match to avoid injury.
• This rule includes all ear piercings, including piercings high on the ear lobe and nose piercings.
• Any piercing that cannot be removed must be securely taped and covered to the organisers and umpire’s satisfaction prior to the game, failure to do so will see the game started on time while this is sorted out.
• The only exception is a medical alert bracelet which can be worn but must be taped up.
• Failure to remove or cover jewellery will result in a player not being allowed on court.
• Organisers and umpires reserve the right to suspend play until all players meet these requirements.Nails
• Nails must be kept short. As a guideline, nails should be no longer than 1mm long and should not be seen from the underside of the finger. This is to protect other players from injury.
• This is not a popular rule, but it will be strictly enforced to avoid any unnecessary injuries.
• Players will not be allowed to start a match with long nails.
• The games will not be delayed for the cutting of nails; coaches are to please check all the players’ nails before the games begin, failure to do so will see the game started on time while this is sorted out).
• Organisers and umpires reserve the right to suspend play until all players meet these requirements.No catch-up games will be played if rounds are rained out. We will be running strictly to the allocated days and matches. Your school will be notified if a whole evening’s games have been cancelled due to bad weather. If your school is unable to play on a scheduled date, your teams will forfeit the points.
The fixtures will not be adjusted.
Should any person choose to interfere in the tournament without going through the correct channels, the organisers reserve the right to instruct the person concerned to leave the premises immediately. If any player, coach, and teacher bring the tournament’s name into disrepute by using foul language/behaviour the school will be penalised and points will be deducted from the relevant teams.
Any communication regarding the tournament must be conveyed to parents by the individual schools’ coaches or Heads of Sport.
Learners and coaches are encouraged to cheer from the sides of the court in a positive manner. Umpires will warn learners and coaches if they shout at/intimidate or break down players. They may ask a learner or coach to leave the court if their behaviour persists.NB: At the end of each game scorers must ensure that the umpires select one player of the game and fills in their information on the score sheet.
Please make sure all score sheets are filled in correctly and send both to the announcers table promptly.
In the final matches, if there is a tie, an extra three (3) minutes per side shall be played, thereafter if it is still a tie, a toss-up shall be taken to determine the next centre pass. The team that scores next will be deemed the winner.
Registration and scrutiny of the teams will take place before the end of the first round of matches at the tables marked for each age group. The Committee will appoint officials for scrutiny. All schools will register with a team list typed neatly on a School letterhead and signed by the principal. Dates of birth must be included. Only registered players who are bona fide learners at a school shall be allowed to play
• Match balls shall remain on court.
• Each game will consist of 18 minutes (two halves of 9 minutes each).
• 1-minute half time and to swap sides.
• All semi finial and final games will be the same time as the round robin games.
• Captains of teams must toss for the centre pass at half time during the previous match.
• Should there be a discrepancy in the scorecards the Tournament Organiser shall have the discretion to determine the result.
• Teams are allowed 10 players on the court at any time (3 reserves to be seated) with coach.
• A team that is fielding 4 or less players five minutes after the game has started will forfeit the match.
• A team can play with 5 players. One of them MUST be centre.
• Substitutions can only be made at half time or when a player is injured. There is no limit to the number of substitutions that a team can make.
• If you start a match with 5 or 6 players but more members of your team arrive after the game has started, they must wait until the next centre pass and wait for permission from the umpire before joining the game.
• If a school is called to the court and does not arrive, they will forfeit the game.
• After the game, all players and coaches are asked to leave the court immediately so that the next game can begin on time.Weather
If rain or lightning affects play and the evening’s proceedings are cancelled the opposing teams will split the points of the games that were not yet played due to the weather. If the rain or lightning starts during a game and the game has covered more than half of its required time, the score will stay as it is.
In the event of a lightning warning, all players and officials will be asked to clear the court area and move to the hall adjacent to the parking lot.
The organiser of the tournament will monitor weather conditions prior to and during all games. Monitoring will be conducted through a combination of local weather reports, our school lightning alarm detector alerts, real-time lightning alert apps, and observing for signs of developing thunderstorms.
“If you see it, flee it; if you can hear it, clear it.” When lightning is seen or thunder is heard, participation shall cease. Participant safety is our number one priority, and no unnecessary chances will be taken. Play will not continue until an official announcement is made by the organiser.
If a team decides to cease play BEFORE the official call has been made, that team will forfeit the points for that game. If both teams decide to come off before a call is made, THE SCORE WILL REMAIN AS IT WAS WHEN PLAY WAS DISCONTINUED.
If games are postponed during the evening, all subsequent games on the evening will be shortened to six minutes a half (two halves). The point system will not be adjusted even if the games have been shortened.
If we are not able to play any of the semi-final or final games, the positions will be determined as they are currently ranked.

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