South Africa Tour 2023 Preview

Devon's Under 15s are getting ready to head to South Africa for their annual tour. Find out more about the tour by reading this year's brochure.

This year marks the 21st anniversary since founder, Alan Swift, first set up the tour to South Africa in 2002. "The principal reason for travelling 6,000 miles is to provide the players with an opportunity to widen their cricket experience through playing against capable and competitive opponents in unfamiliar conditions," Alan wrote in his message to this year's players.

Joint Tour Manager, Matt Cooke, paid tribute to Alan's contribution to the tour, saying that "not only did Alan create the tour over 20 years ago, but he then ran it every year for 15 years as a volunteer, a quite extraordinary contribution to the development of young cricketers."

The team on tour in 2003.

But why tour South Africa?

"The answer is easy," says Managing Director Matt Theedom.

"It's a country with amazing scenery, incredible wildlife, a world-famous culture, and an infectious passion for sport. As a nation, South Africans are fiercely competitive and this provides our Tour Party with a challenge they may not find elsewhere."

This year's trip will feature six matches played over the course of eight days, with the Under 15s facing the Johan Rudolph Academy, Nelspruit Hoërskool, Western Province Under 14 Invitational XI, Western Province Under 14 Performance Hub XI, Western Province Under 14s and Western Province Under 15s.

The most anticipated of these is the match against Nelspruit Hoërskool. Known as the 'Battle of Kruger', the match is held at Skukuza Cricket Club, a lovely ground uniquely situated within the Kruger National Park, the largest of South Africa's 20 National Parks.

Both teams after the Battle of Kruger, 2022. Ahead of the tour Frik Rossouw, Senior Investigator with the South Africa National Parks Special Projects and known as 'Mr Cricket' at Skukuza CC, said: "The Battle of Kruger will once again be played between the Devon Under 15s and Nelspruit Hoërskool. We at Kruger will strive to help you experience the magic and hospitality of our National Park and fulfill all your expectations."