GELVANDALE CRICKET CLUB contributed much to the development of cricket in the EASTERN PROVINCE in general and the Northern Areas in particular.
And since its inaugural general meeting in 1977, the Club has grown in stature and is regarded today as one of the leading clubs from a previously disadvantaged area in the Country.
The Club has the distinction of producing a numerous amount of Protea players and provincial stars, as well as annexing all three competitions LEAGUE, SHIELD AND KNOCK OUT … under the auspices of the Eastern Province Cricket Association in 1989/90 season. This has helped in no uncertain terms to build a tradition of which present day members can be proud.
The formation of the club took place in 1977 at a meeting in the GELVANDALE HIGH SCHOOL and was the venue for the dub meetings For many a year thereafter. The Club was formed after the so-called ‘9 … man” Committee declared cricket in SA a unified sport one of the most bitterly controversial decisions ever taken by administrators of sport in SA. to accommodate those cricketers who willingly wanted to play SACB cricket and NOT “normal” sport in an “abnormal society”.
Those who attended the inaugural meeting and are regarded as foundation members were:
Mervin Biaauw, Vernon M.aigas, Alan Biaauw, Graham Blaauw, Rupert Billet, David O’Reilly, Tyrone Hitzeroth, Cyril Fortuin Vernon de Doncher, Selwyn Felix, Brian U’dermans Wendell Domingo and Johnny van Wyk
The C!ubs first officials to be elected were:
Chairman: | Mervin Biaauw |
Secretary: | Tyrone Hitzeroth |
Treasurer: | Vernon Ma/gas |
Delegates to EPCA: MI?, Blaauw | |
71 Hitzeroth |
The first captain and vice captain of the club was Mervin Biaauw. Two teams were registered with the EPCA. It was mainly due to these gentlemen that a sound Foundation was ‘aid for the growth of the club to where it is today.
During the 70’s and 80’s the club premier team played its home matches on the turf wickets at the Adcoch Stadium while the lower league and junior teams played theirs on matting at the GELVANDALE PLAYING FIELDS. in 2001 the club made use of the PPC Oval after the GEMSA FIELD was upgraded and renamed after the sponsors.