CAPE TOWN – After the promise Ashwell Prince’s “pups” showed last season when they competed until the very last round of the four-day competition and progressed to two white-ball semi-finals, there was always the possibility that the Cape Cobras’ bubble would burst in the second season.
“Teams will work them out,” the naysayers exclaimed. Even worse, some critics felt it was their place to point out: “You can’t win anything with kids”.
Well, the Cobras haven’t won any silverware as yet, but they surely are well on their way to the Four-Day Franchise Series title after completing four victories from four starts, even though nobody within the camp wants to get ahead of themselves.
“We are trying not to get to ahead ourselves. We know we’re top of the table, but it is important not to focus too much on that and just go out there and try to win every game,” wicket-keeper Kyle Verreynne said.
“Obviously like you say, the opposition tends to find out a bit more about you. From what I hear, (the second season) is little bit more challenging. I have just tried to continue to work hard at training, so that ‘second-season syndrome’ doesn’t get me.”
The Cobras face arguably their sternest test this week when they face the Highveld Lions at Boland Park in Paarl from today. Not only are the Lions second behind the Cobras on the standings, but the visitors from up north have been bolstered by a couple of key batsmen.
The in-form Rassie van der Dussen is back in the line-up after sharing a record 350-run stand with Wiaan Lubbe last week, while Proteas Test No 4 Temba Bavuma will also lead the Lions against his former team this week for the first time.
Kyle Verreynne of the Cape Cobras during the Momentum One Day Cup Cricket match between the Cobras and the Lions at Boland Park, Paarl. Photo: Shaun Roy/BackpagePix
Verreynne is not overly concerned with the opposition and prefers to follow the “processes” that has enabled the Cobras to attain success so far this season. Equally, the young gloveman is keen on returning to the picturesque Winelands venue.
“We have had some success in Paarl over the past couple of seasons, so we’re looking forward to going there and hopefully getting the win,” Verreynne said.