A WHOLE NEW BALLGAME...

PROPERTY may be at the heart of the Dormehl and Phalane Property Group, but partners Tau Phalane and Owen Dormehl also have their hearts in other places - the company is a proud sponsor of the South African Indoor Cricket Ladies' Team that will be heading for Dubai soon.

The team members are now hard in training and very excited at the prospect of participating in the 10th Indoor Cricket World Cup, to be held at the Insportz Club in Dubai, the Middle East's first indoor sports facility with fully air-conditioned, multi-purpose courts.

The tournament runs from September 16 to 23, and is an event that will see the locals competing against teams from Australia, New Zealand, England, Sri Lanka, India, Singapore, Malaysia and the UAE.

South Africa will be represented by four teams - men's, ladies, under-22 men's and under-22 ladies.

The Indoor Cricket World Cup for Ladies has been held every three years since 2000, and the South African Ladies Team has reached the final five times, with one third-place finish.

As amateur participants, all players need financial assistance to cover the substantial individual costs to attend this top event, so the property group was quick to lend sponsorship support.

"Indoor Action Cricket is completely self-funded, with each player having to raise funds to represent their country. On average, including camps, each tour costs about R50 000," says the women's team spokesman, Carmen Mertens.

"We have had the privilege of obtaining a sponsorship from the Dormehl Phalane Property Group that made this dream a reality for most of our ladies. It is an honour to wear their logo while we strive for gold in the World Cup. No thanks will ever be enough to show our appreciation... and to have them on our journey to greatness.

"We have also had many raffles and fund-raisers that have assisted us in raising funds over the past couple of months. These have assisted in raising over R180 000."

The event in Dubai is expected to attract some 400 players and officials.

Mertens points out that women's indoor cricket has "died down over the past few years ,with a provincial tour having no ladies representation teams for last two years".

She adds, however, that women were picked for the South African trials based on their performances in a mixed provisional tour last year. The first set of trials was on October 8 and 9 last year, and the team was announced on December 4, after a second set of trials.

"This was narrowed down to World Cup travelling12 players on May 1, after four training camps. A camp is held every month with all players attending," explains Mertens.

The women are coached by Johnny Wilson and managed by Michael Wenk.

"These two gentleman have been involved in coaching cricket for many years and have brought such a great dynamic and commitment to the team," says Mertens.

"Many of the ladies have played for years and have many cricket achievements. However, they have all learnt something from these men and have brought their cricket to a whole different level.

"Every single person brings their own dynamic and individuality to the team that together makes them unstoppable."