Kingswood recently celebrated the achievements of two of the finest cricketers in the school’s history. James Stirk and Brandon Handley have both scored 2000 runs at 1st team level, an achievement, only managed by one other Kingswoodian - Gavin Victor, who amassed 2435 runs for Kingswood, in his 4 years in the 1st XI (1981 – 1984). James and Brandon have awarded Cricket Honours by Kingswood, as well as being student leaders - Brandon is currently the College Head Boy, and James is a Head of House on campus.

For Brandon, a knee injury has forced him to miss the whole final term of cricket, a huge frustration and disappointment for him. Brandon has had an unbelievable calendar year as a batsman, and has averaged 54.03. He has scored four centuries for Kingswood, as well as 13 half centuries. Even though he has not been able to play this term, he has already compiled 2016 runs for Kingswood. 

The stylish James Stirk has been as prolific. This year he has averaged 57.2. James has also scored four centuries for Kingswood, along with another 13 half centuries. He has currently scored 2024 runs for Kingswood. In the absence of his good friend Brandon, James has also recently captained the side brilliantly. 

More impressive than their batting prowess, is the character of each boy. Described by their coach as humble, hard working and enthusiastic lads, their love of cricket is obvious. “They are simply great individuals to have within a team environment. They have enormous respect for opposition players, which seems to be very mutual, mainly because of how they play the game on and off the field” said coach Gregg van Mollendorff.

Gavin Victor was obviously as prolific a run scorer for Kingswood as he was for the EP Jumbos. Gavin scored 7 hundreds and 9 fifties for Kingswood. The powerful opening batsman was arguably the most effective of the aggressive openers in South Africa, as the ‘innovation’ of attacking the new ball with fielding restrictions, was introduced.

Last year, Kingswood also celebrated the second 1st XI bowler to take 100 wickets, as Hugh Savage joined Grant Long (1st XI from 1977 – 1979). Grant took an amazing 148 wickets and also scored 1642 runs for Kingswood.

In an environment rich in cricket tradition, these lads have added their names next to the great cricketers that have played the sport of gentlemen at Kingswood College.
 

Brandon Handley and James Stirk