All-round Simmonds aiming to continue fine form

January 2022

Six Gun Grill Western Province will face another tough test when they take on log-leaders the Imperial Lions at Six Gun Grill Newlands next week and all-rounder Kyle Simmonds, who is proving to be one of the signings of the season, will be aiming to continue his fine form with both bat and ball after his performance in the last match against the ITEC Knights which saw him notch up a run-a-ball century and take 2-wickets in a rain-curtailed match.

Simmonds, who is the leading wicket-taker in the 4 Day Series for Six Gun Grill WP, with 17 wickets in 5 matches, contributed brilliantly with bat in hand, alongside David Bedingham (199), who he drew strength from in his innings of 100* off just 101 balls.

”It hasn’t really sunk in to be honest. One of the reasons how I managed to get there was because of Bedders. Batting with him, he brings the calmness and enjoyment about batting when going about it in the middle,” said Simmonds.

“I did get a bit lucky sometimes, and I didn’t get things right here and there, but sometimes you just have to ride with the luck and take it as it comes,” he added.

Looking forward to the next game against the Imperial Lions, Simmonds shared his excitement of the prospect of the return of the national team players to bolster the line-up.

“I’m really looking forward to the match against the Lions. They are on top of the table so it’s going to be quite a good game especially with Kyle (Verreynne), (Wayne) Parnell and Zubayr (Hamza) coming back to see us as close to full strength as we have been this whole season.”

With George Linde away with the Proteas for most of the season, Coach Salieg Nackerdien has put a lot of trust in Simmonds and he wants to continue to repay that faith as the season continues.

”It’s been a tough season, but I’m enjoying every minute of it, having my coach Snakes (Salieg Nackerdien) and the management back me has given me a lot of confidence and is always nice, so I’m hoping to continue to do well for them and my team-mates for the rest of the 4 Day Series and the upcoming white ball competitions.”