By Johnathan Paoli
Johannesburg’s school cricketing talent shone brightly on the international stage as the Johannesburg Schools Invitational XI stormed to victory at the prestigious St John’s Rams T20 Tournament in Harare, Zimbabwe.
The composite team, made up of players from King Edward VII School (KES), Jeppe High School for Boys, Queens High School and St John’s College (Johannesburg), finished the week-long tournament undefeated and lifted the trophy after a decisive 39-run win over Clifton College in the final.
Captain of the composite team Wade McQuinn, described the triumph as not only a sporting success, but also a reminder of the educational and developmental value of school sport.
“I had a really good group of boys. We’ve gelled so well together, and that made my job as captain really easy because the guys knew what they needed to do. My job was just about putting the guys in the right place,” McQuinn said.
The tournament brought together young cricketers from across Southern Africa, offering them an environment to sharpen technical skills, learn leadership, and represent their schools on an international stage.
The standout figure of the tournament was KES’s Troy Gordon, whose consistent run scoring made him the batting cornerstone of the Invitational XI.
He struck a superb 54 off 41 balls in the final, notching up his third half-century of the competition.
By the close of the tournament, Gordon had amassed 242 runs in five innings at an average of over 60 and a strike rate exceeding 150, a remarkable statistics at schoolboy level.
His performances earned him the coveted Batsman of the Tournament award.
Captain McQuinn embodied the role of a finisher, playing calculated attacking innings that turned tight contests into comfortable wins.
His rapid 38 off 17 deliveries in the final underscored his ability to handle pressure.
Overall, McQuinn scored 120 runs at a strike rate close to 185, proving that school cricket can produce athletes capable of adopting modern, professional approaches to the game.
Meanwhile, Lincoln Casais demonstrated the importance of versatility in school sport.
Known more for his batting, Casais delivered a match-winning bowling spell in the final, taking three wickets for just 12 runs in two overs.
His breakthrough performance destabilised Clifton College early in their chase and earned him the Player of the Match award.
The Rams T20 Tournament is more than a cricket contest; it is a platform for education in teamwork, resilience and international camaraderie.
For many of the players, the experience of travelling to Zimbabwe, competing against strong opposition, and carrying the expectations of Johannesburg schools offered lessons in responsibility and discipline that extend far beyond sport.
Performances in Harare will strengthen the players’ cases for selection to provincial and national youth squads, potentially unlocking bursaries, scholarships, and pathways into higher education institutions with strong cricketing programmes.
Behind the on-field success stood experienced educators and coaches.
The team was guided by St John’s College Director of Cricket Bongani Ntini, supported by Sharmin Naidoo (KES) and Casey Arnold (Jeppe).
Their roles extended beyond tactical planning; they served as mentors, ensuring that players managed the dual pressures of competitive sport and school responsibilities.
“Such mentorship demonstrates the crucial role teachers and coaches play in holistic education,” Ntini said.
INSIDE EDUCATION
