South African school cricket is set for a boost following the launch of the rain SA20 Derby Series, a new competition bringing 26 leading cricket schools together for standalone matches.
SA20 has also confirmed rain as the title sponsor of both the new Derby Series and the rain Schools SA20, the national schools T20 competition entering its third season. More than 500 schools from across the country will participate in the Schools SA20, which is open to both boys and girls. The competition will progress from provincial and regional stages to a national finals weekend.
Defending champions Jeppe High School for Boys and Queen’s High School will return to defend their respective boys’ and girls’ titles. The new Derby Series will focus on school rivalries and community pride rather than league standings. Its first match will take place on 22 September, when Menlopark hosts Waterkloof in a day-night fixture.
The partnership will also provide educational opportunities, with SA20 and the South African Cricketers’ Association offering full scholarships to a promising Grade 7 boy and girl from the winning Schools SA20 teams. SA20 Commissioner Graeme Smith said the two competitions would serve different purposes, with Schools SA20 developing young talent while the Derby Series creates memorable occasions for schools and their communities.
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