Tom Richardson from Bishops has been recognized in the Coco-Cola T20 Schools Cricket Challenge.

Tom Richardson of Bishops, Cape Town, has been recognized as an outstanding achiever in the Coca-Cola® T20 School Challenge, for the 76 runs he made in his side’s victory over Groote Schuur High School, as well as his excellent performance as the schools wicket keeper.  He is on track to take over from his uncle, Dave Richardson, who played 42 Tests, 122 ODI games and kept wicket for South Africa.

Coca-Cola® South Africa and Cricket South Africa (CSA) grant this honour to players who excel in the competition and they are awarded a special commemorative cap and a certificate marking the occasion.

Bishops has played in four Coca-Cola® T20 Schools Challenge matches, winning them all. “Tom is a key member of our team and is one of our youngsters at 16 years old, in Grade 11,” said Willem Steyn, Head of Cricket.  “Not only is he an excellent cricketer but plays first team Hockey and is a straight A student excelling in all subjects.  He is still young and has the opportunity to make a great contribution to our school.”

Steyn said that their toughest Coca-Cola® T20 game was against Pinelands High School.  “We eventually won by 32 runs but we had to fight hard.  Our bowlers showed their metal and won the game for us.” Bishops will be playing their next games on 14 February.

The Coca-Cola® T20 Schools Challenge is about making heroes, explains Fetsi Mbele, Coca-Cola South Africa Marketing Assets Manager. “This grass roots tournament is where heroes are unearthed and then progress through to the Coca-Cola® Khaya Majola Cricket Week, an annual tournament, sponsored by Coca-Cola South Africa for over 30 years. It has to date produced over 200 Proteas players.”

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