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Welcome to the biggest Primary School Cricket and Netball Challenge in the country!

• U13 CRICKET
• U13 NETBALL

Click the sport button above to see the fixtures, team lists and rules.

2026

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Letter of support

It’s Montrose Night Challenge time — the most thrilling few weeks of the year for all participating schools and spectators in the U13 and U11 events.

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Letter from the principal

Welcome to a truly momentous year as we celebrate 25 years of the Montrose Night Challenge

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hall of fame

Our past winners over the years

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Our sponsors

A HUGE thank you to all our wonderful sponsors! Without your help, this incredible event would not have been possible.

Please click on the sponsors adverts below to see them full size:

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Letter of support for the event

It’s Montrose Night Challenge time — the most thrilling few weeks of the year for all participating schools and spectators in the U13 and U11 events.
Now in its 25th consecutive year, Montrose Primary School is once again going all out to host the biggest inter-primary school day/night tournament of its kind in South Africa. With 24 cricket teams and 36 netball teams set to take part in 2026, this promises to be an exceptional experience for every young athlete involved.
Flying their school flags high — loudly and proudly — participants will celebrate sport and the powerful impact it has on millions of lives. This tournament offers a truly enriching opportunity, especially for those enjoying the privilege of competing under lights and in varying conditions, with scouts never far from view. Time and again, we see little people grow overnight during this event — forging new friendships and walking away taller than before.
A gentle reminder to all taking to the field: play with pride and remember that you represent your school, your families, and yourselves. Play as a unit, play for each other, and always remember that great performances are achieved when you play with love and freedom.
My sincere thanks go to the staff of Montrose Primary School, who have gone above and beyond in organising a series of this magnitude. Your dedication — together with the unwavering support of your families, the school community, and the valued sponsors — has set the stage for tomorrow’s heroes. Now, watch them thrive.
I encourage parents and supporters to explore the tournament website and see which companies are investing in your child’s future and providing such meaningful opportunities. Support them as a small gesture of thanks back for the support they are giving your special children.
To the event sponsors: thank you for lending a hand and making the magic happen with all involved. On behalf of Lions Cricket and sport in our Province, I extend a heartfelt thanks to all partners for the continued support and care you give. We salute you for the difference you have made in so many lives — and for enabling every participant to DREAM BIG.
I am proud to say that Lions Cricket has once again placed its stamp of approval on this event. To all the players — have an incredible few weeks. It will race by, so play hard, play fair, have fun, and enjoy every moment.I’ll be watching,Jono Leaf-Wright
Lions Cricket CEO

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Letter from the principal

Welcome to a truly momentous year as we celebrate 25 years of the Montrose Night Challenge
— a quarter century of passion, teamwork, and unforgettable sporting moments. This milestone is a testament to the dedication of every player, coach, official, and supporter who has contributed to making this tournament a highlight on our calendar.
Over the next four weeks, our young cricketers and netball players will step onto the courts and fields with determination, courage, and pride. Participating in a tournament of this calibre builds not only skill, but resilience, sportsmanship, and a deep understanding of what it means to work together toward a shared goal.
The continued success and sustainability of the Montrose Night Challenge over the past 25 years would not have been possible without the extraordinary support of our sponsors. Their belief in school sport, their generosity, and their ongoing commitment has truly been the lifeblood of this tournament. We extend our sincere and collective thanks to all past and present sponsors who have invested in our young athletes and helped shape this event into the proud legacy it is today.
Our heartfelt thanks also go to Mr Jono Leaf Wright and Lions Cricket, whose unwavering support continues to strengthen the development of school sport and young talent. We extend our appreciation to Gwen Nelson, whose exceptional administration ensures the seamless running of the event, as well as Mokhosi Makara for managing the cricket, Ronel Sauer for leading the netball arrangements, and our entire Sports Department for their steadfast assistance. To every educator and staff member who contributes behind the scenes — thank you for helping Montrose remain the nurturing and dynamic school it is.
To all the boys and girls taking part: this tournament is your stage, your challenge, and your opportunity. Embrace every moment, give your best, uplift one another, and carry yourselves with pride both on and off the field as you represent your schools.
As we honour 25 incredible years, may this year’s series be filled with camaraderie, spirited competition, and memories you will treasure long after the final whistle or ball is bowled.“A team becomes unstoppable not because of individual talent, but because of shared purpose.”
— AnonymousKind 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

GRAYSTON

Team List tbc

DAINFERN

Team List tbc

CRAWFORD LONEHILL

Team List tbc

POOL 2

HERONBRIDGE

Team List tbc

ALEX HUB

Team List tbc

MONTROSE

Team List tbc

POOL 3

BRYANDALE

Team List tbc

RIVONIA

Team List tbc

REDHILL

Team List tbc

POOL 4

BRYNEVEN

Team List tbc

CRAWFORD SANDTON

Team List tbc

KPT LIONS

Team List tbc

Please click on the 2025 U11 team pics below to see them full size. (2026 U13 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 U9 (turning 9 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 of game 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 8metre limit for run ups, which will be indicated by a mark on the field.
8. A maximum of 6 balls per over will be allowed, but 6 legitimate balls must be bowled in the last over of the innings.
9. All wides and no balls will be awarded 2 runs.
10. 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.
11. If a ball lands off the pitch it is a no ball.
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!

POOL 1

MC WEILLER

Team List tbc

RANDPARK RIDGE

Team List tbc

REDDAM BEDFORDVIEW

Team List tbc

CRAWFORD LONEHILL

Team List tbc

CRAWFORD FOURWAYS

Team List tbc

HERONBRIDGE

Team List tbc

BRYNEVEN

Team List tbc

BRYANDALE

Team List tbc

RIVONIA

Team List tbc

POOL 2

IPHUTHENG

Team List tbc

KYALAMI

Team List tbc

CRAWFORD SANDTON

Team List tbc

DAINFERN

Team List tbc

STEYN CITY

Team List tbc

REDDAM WATERFALL

Team List tbc

GRAYSTON

Team List tbc

REDHILL

Team List tbc

MONTROSE

Team List tbc

Please click on the 2025 U11 team pics below to see them full size. (2026 U13 coming soon)

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WEEK 1: 13 FEBRUARY 2025 – OPENING CEREMONY

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

Week 2: 27 FEBRUARY

Week 3: 6 MARCH

WEEK 4: FRIDAY 13 MARCH 2026 - CLOSING CEREMONY

Closing Night Entertainment (Note games will commence after the Closing, TBC)

Prize Giving Ceremony (ALL teams MUST attend)

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Netball Tournament Judge/Referee: Mrs Bronwyn van Schalkwyk
Organiser: Mrs Ronel Sauer• The tournament caters for the Open 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 sit or stand next to each other during the duration of each match and consult at regular intervals to ensure the scoring is consistent.Open Players:
Players must be no older than 14 years of age for this series in 2026 (must be a Primary School learner born no later than 2012).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.Coaches are reminded that according to the rules, no coach or other official may approach an umpire during the match or between halves to query a rule. A coach or other official must be seated in an area deemed as the ‘bench’ but may not move up and down the side-line of the court or get in the way of an umpire. The reserves must always be seated.Even though you may not agree with a ruling, it cannot be revoked after the umpire has made the call.Should you feel the need to rectify the potential for continuous grave errors (that may interfere with the outcome) during a match, the netball organiser (Ronel Sauer) and the Judge (Bronwyn van Schalkwyk) should be notified. They will go to your court to assist where needed.The following will only apply to the semi-final and final rounds of this tournament:In netball, when the opposing teams have the same goal count at the end of a game, the match is considered a draw. However, in some competitive settings, such as tournaments or finals, a winner must be determined. In these cases, specific rules for resolving a tie may be applied. These can include:1. Extra Time: The match may proceed to extra time, typically consisting of two halves of 2 minutes each. If the scores are still tied at the end of extra time, further measures may be taken.2. Golden Goal: Some competitions may implement a "golden goal" rule, where the first team to score in the additional period wins the match.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 and Hair
• No Jewellery is permitted. All jewellery must be removed and may not be taped. Cultural or religious adornments must be securely taped down. This rule includes all ear piercings, including piercings high on the ear lobe and nose piercings.
• Failure to remove or cover jewellery will result in a player not being allowed on court.
• No Hair Beads are allowed. As per NSA regulations, beads must be removed or completely concealed in a secure bun. Long ponytails must also be tied into a bun.
• 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 (may be two different players per game)and fill 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 (2) 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 22 minutes (two halves of 11 minutes each).
• 3-minute half time and to swap sides.
• The times of games will be reduced when we have a weather delay.
• All semifinal 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 the 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 a 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, the opposing team will start and play for 3 minutes. Should the team still not arrive after 3 minutes they will forfeit the game. Should the team arrive within the 3 minutes the game will continue from the point they joined.
• 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 corridors.
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 cannot play any of the semi-final or final games, the positions will be determined as they are currently ranked.Scoring/Point System:
- 4 points for a win
- 2 points for a draw
- 1 bonus point for losing by 2 or less goals
- 1 bonus point for winning by 6 or more goals
- 1 bonus point for scoring 20 or more goals

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