Preseason:

The preseason began in the first week of July 2012, with Dave Nosworthy at the helm, as the Lions preparation was geared towards our second Champions League in 3 years.  Due to our success in the previous season, several players were in line for national selections, namely the Unofficial T20 Triangular in Zimbabwe, which Chris Morris participated in.  An SA "A" team was also selected, players like Aaron Phangiso,  Chris Morris mainly played in the limited over games, in Zimbabwe and in Ireland.  Pumi Matshitwe played in Tests against the Sri Lanka "A" in Durban and Temba Bavuma played in one Test against Sri Lanka "A" and was also selected to go on a month tour to Ireland.

SA A tours

On a personal note, I was selected as the SA "A" physio, for the 2 Test match series against Sri Lanka "A" in Durban, the One-day Triangular Series in Zimbabwe against Zimbabwe "A" and Sri Lanka "A" and the month tour of Ireland.  Working in different environments and with new staff, allows growth, learning and a different perspective on the game.  Working with the experienced Vincent Barnes, Greg King (former Indian and current Chennai Superkings trainer) and HD Ackerman were also highlights for me.  We had a proud team culture in the SA "A" Team, and to see guys like, Faf Du Plessis, Dean Elgar, Rory Klienveldt, Chris Morris and Aaron Phangiso progress to reach the heights as they did for the Proteas was hugely encouraging.

Whilst away on tour in Ireland, Dave Nosworthy had stepped down as Head Coach on the Lions, and the throne had been taken over by Geoffery Toyana.  

Sunfoil series

Our first game of the season was against Paul Adams, Cobras.  A game which we would like to forget for the result but it again exposed the undoubtable talents on one Quinton De Kock, who scored a superb 194 in our second innings.  The teams second game was at home against the highly charged up Dolphins, who showed a lot of aggression whilst bowling.  The result was highly encouraging as we defeated the Durban team and it also showed of the talents of Chris Morris, who picked up a Lions match record of 12/101 and so surpassing Garnett Kruger.  The win against the Dolphins proved to be the catalyst, to the start of a productive first half of the season for the team, as we headed into the Champions League.

Champions League

The squad assembled in Potch for training camp and played Scotland and the North West team.  We were cast as the under dogs, a team which "should not be around " said Stuart Clarke at the opening function.  Well, we didn't need any more motivation to play the way we did.  Sydney did beat us twice in the tournament and were worthy champions but the Lions did prove to the world that we were not there to make up the numbers.  We defeated 3 IPL teams en route to the finals.  Unfortunately  we did not pitch for that final, but players like Neil McKenzie, Gulam Bodi, Jean Symes, Chris Morris and Aaron Phangiso made the tournament team. That was a highlight in itself.

Momentum Cup

Many in South Africa, believed that the dismal performance in the Champions League final, would cause a "hangover" coming into the Momentum Cup 50 over challenge.  The opposite actually occurred as we had the perfect start and the perfect game against the Titans in the opener and continued a string of victories that would see us top the table and qualify for an automatic final place, which was against the Cobras.  The final was an anti climax as the Johannesburg weather got in the better of both the teams.  The Cup had to be shared, which was a disappointment for the team but half a trophy was definitely better than no trophy.

There is more to come from this squad of highly talented players and just reward was the selection of Quinton de Kock, Chris Morris and Aaron Phangsio for the Proteas T20 team to take on the Black Caps.  Here's to an even better 2013, may it be successful and injury free.

@Craig_gov