Put your hands in the air as deaf bowler Raysford holds his own.
By Mike de Bruyn

Partially deaf bowler Raysford Cruywagen has been hailed as the find of the season by Western Province convener of selectors Alan Lofthouse.

“He’s a tremendously talented bloke who has shown that anything is possible with hard work and dedication. He has put many hours of practice in on the greens, and fully deserves hie place in the team,” said Lofhouse.

Cruywagen’s elevation from obscurity to the WP A team this year is an amazing achievement.

In becoming the first partially disabled player to be selected for the WP team, the Goodwood member has set his sights on making the SA team.

“That’s my goal,” he said. “It’s going to take plenty of hard work, but I’m definitely going to do all I can to realise my life-long ambition.”

He’s already fulfilled that role with the SA disabled team, but doesn’t see his future there.

“There is not enough players in the country to make it a viable proposition. To play against able-bodied players is where I want to be competing.”

The 44-year-old, who has been playing the game for nine years, is excited at the prospect of playing alongside legendary Kevin Campbell, current Protea Shaun Addinall and Namibian international Will Esterhuizen.

“What s four side.” said the Western Cape Deaf sportsman of the year. “I feel honoured to be in the same side with these guys… they’ve made me feel really welcome in the team during practices, and it has allowed me to show them how to communicate with disabled players; instead of clapping when a good shot is delivered, I’ve taught them to communicate using sign language, and they love it.”

Cruywagen paid tribute to friend and mentor Alan Aspeling for his word of encouragement throughout his career.

“You could say he’s been there every step of the way. Alan has spent many hours on the green with me teaching me all about the things that have made me the player I am today. He’s always told me I have the talent to reach the top. Thanks.”

Not surprisingly, he joined forces with Aspeling’s wife, Gail, to reach the finals of the WP mixed pairs recently.

Cruywagen, who will lead for Campbell at the interprovincials, plays in that position for Goodwood’s Premier side. This has afforded him the opportunity to measure his game against the best leads in the province, which he has done admirable.