[door Anton Roux] So xmas is around the corner and I thought that I should send a little message from me and the guys. I hope everyone has got all their family around them for this special time of the year, and that most of you have some plans to get away during this period. Even if you not getting away, just being together with family is always special. For me it’s still work, I’m off to Cape Town for a 4 days of cricket against Boland at Boland Park in Paarl. A beautiful ground next to a mountain, in the middle of wine tasting country. Hopefully a win under the belt in the t20 on Sunday will allow us to savour some of the “grapes” around the region. For Heino and Faf, they too have a game against the Knights from Bloemfontein and then again against the Lions from Joburg. A busy time for them during the festive period. Let’s hope that both Faf and Heino’s form continues in the longer format of the game.

Faf has really set the domestic scene alight with his batting, I just wish that you guys could see what this guy is capable of. I’ve always said that, when it comes to Faf’s batting, I’ll always pay to watch him bat. Heino has had one or two injuries of late, and has struggled a bit in the 50 over competition, having been moved up the order to open. However, in the 4 day competition he still holds an unbelievable record and is undoubtedly the best glove man in SA at the moment. One or two good knocks, and who knows where he could be a few months down the line. Graeme and Cluxie have been on holiday for the past few weeks, I was told that Cluxie shot his first buck while hunting with mates the other day. Graeme is in Jeffries Bay in Port Elizabeth soaking up the sun (and the wind) in the waves of the ocean. I will hook up with Graeme in my home town of Mossel Bay just before xmas. Will be good to catch up with little bugger over a few drinks and a braai. As for Lloyd, him and his team narrowly missed out on qualifying for the Olympics, but I’m sure that I will catch up with him soon over here in Durban and hear what’s news with him. It’s more like he will be telling me what’s going on in Amsterdam.

For me, as mentioned earlier, I have some work to do in Boland first before I enjoy my first bit of time off from cricket in a long time. I will stay on in Cape Town for a day or two (to visit some friends, and our national u/19 week takes place down there) and then my cousin will pick me up to go back to Mossel Bay. It’s about a three and a half hour drive, but the way he drives,  it should take him about two hours!! It is there that I intend on making the biggest braai Mossel Bay has ever seen, on the menu will be the best steaks and lamb chops from the Karoo region. No doubt I will be required to show my cousins how to play golf, and in the process take their money off them once I beat them in a round or two. These matches tend to get quite heated as they are very bad losers, but a bit of competition never hurt anyone. I’m told that my one cousin (Michal) has improved his game considerably and is ready for the challenge. But this is a story that I hear every year and comes as no surprise to me. After the golf, I will be doing a lot of surfing, a lot of swimming, and of course a few drinks here and there as well. After xmas, I’m flying back to Durban, then hitting the road, driving (6 hrs) down to Transkei to do some deep sea fishing, and some training. The opportunities to do trail running, kayaking, and open water swimming are endless. This place is a piece of heaven, and I will be doing it an injustice if I try and describe it in words. I will attach a picture of this place called Mpame together with my mail. My wish is to share it with a few of you in the future. It’s in the middle of nowhere, far away from civilization, untouched by technology and the stresses of delivering results. It is solitary living at its best. It’s the perfect getaway. Hopefully I can catch some BIG fish and put them on the fire asap for the nights feast. I will be enjoying the finest of ocean cuisine, fresh and straight from the sea, and into the pot (photos to follow). I will be there until the 2nd, when I drive back to Natal for our afternoon training session with my team, as we prepare to play two matches in a row against Border and Natal Coastals respectively.

So, a lot to look forward to for me this December. It’s been a successful year in many respects, and hopefully 2012 will brings us more joy and success all round. Hopefully by then the Ajax boardroom politics fiasco is over, and that they can get back to their winning ways as soon as possible. For Lloyd and his team, hopefully by then they will have booked their place in the Olympics, they thoroughly deserve it. A few other things to look forward to next year is of course the start of our franchise t20 competition. Both Heino and Faf will be in action, and for me, I will have the chance to see Chris Gayle and Shaun Tait play for the Dolphins franchise. That should be something to witness. I’m hoping to sit down and have a drink with Mr. Cool himself Gayle and hear what he has to say about life.

Finally, from me, I wish all ACC members and family a merry xmas and prosperous new year. Enjoy your time with family and friends, and cherish every moment with them. Laugh loud, kiss long, and live life to the fullest. Thank you all for the memories and support.

Here are some messages from the guys:

Heino – “ To all ACC members, friends, players and people involved at the Club. I hope you have a very good December, xmas, and new year! Please be safe whilst driving, and chat again in the new year!!”
Lloyd – “All the best for the festive season. I hope you have a wonderful time with friends and family! Look forward to catching up with you guys in February when I return for hockey. Happy Christmas and wishing you all a great new year.”
Cluxie – “To  all ACC players and loyal supporters, may you have a very festive holiday, and may you be blessed with lots of love by all your loved ones.”
Graeme – “To the whole ACC family, I wish you a Merry Christmas and happy new year. Only good things to come for ACC in 2012!! Miss you all. GVB”
Faf – “To everyone at ACC, have a blessed Christmas and new year. May all your hopes and dreams come true. Thanks for all the support.”

Anton Roux
Head Coach
KwaZulu Natal Inland Cricket Union
+2773 3655 918(m)
+2733 3422 988