The Eastern Storm Veterans Cricket League is set to launch its 2025 season on 29 June, marking the third consecutive year of growth and momentum in one of Gauteng’s most exciting veterans competitions. What began with just nine teams has now expanded to 18, following last season’s tally of 13, reflecting a significant surge in interest and participation across the East Rand.
The 2024 campaign was dominated by CBC Crusaders, who completed an unbeaten run to lift the title after defeating Benoni Scimitars in a thrilling final at Willowmoore Park. In doing so, they also secured qualification to represent Eastern Storm at the upcoming National Veterans Club Championships—a title the region currently holds thanks to Kempton Park Cricket Club, previously known as the Renegades.
Veterans Cricket Upward Trajectory
The upward trajectory of veterans cricket in the region was further underlined last month when the Eastern Storm Over-40 provincial team clinched the national 45-over championship and secured third place in the T20 format at the Interprovincial Tournament (IPT). Remarkably, they remained unbeaten throughout the week-long event. CBC and Eastern Storm captain Johan Fourie, in his post-match address, attributed the team’s success to “two years of meticulous planning and teamwork,” both at the league and provincial levels.
With the league’s expansion to 18 teams this season, organisers have had to adapt to new logistical demands. League Chairperson Brendon Stolle and Vice-Chair Shane Savage acknowledged both the excitement and complexity of managing such rapid growth.
“We’re thrilled to see the league go from strength to strength,” said Stolle. “But with that comes pressure. We’re working hard to secure additional venues, coordinate with the union for extra umpires and scorers, and manage all the moving parts to ensure smooth matchdays. We’re also looking to bring on more suppliers and sponsors to support the competition.”
Eastern Storm Veterans Chairperson Brendon Stolle Addressing the Over 40's Eastern Storm Team at their recent Golf Day Fund Raiser.
New Exciting format for 2025 Season
This year’s format will feature a revamped two-phase tournament structure designed to promote competitive balance and give every team a meaningful campaign. Phase One will consist of three groups of six teams, with each side playing once against others in their pool. The top two teams from each group will progress to the CUP Super Six, third and fourth place to the PLATE Super Six, and fifth and sixth to the BOWL Super Six. In the second phase, teams will play new opponents within their group, setting the stage for three highly anticipated finals. The winner of the CUP final will earn the right to represent Eastern Storm at the 2026 Veterans Club Championships.
“The new structure ensures every team stays competitive right through to the end,” added Savage. “It’s strength versus strength in Phase Two, which raises the overall quality and intensity of play.”
Vice Chair Shane Savage addressing the Over-40s Eastern Storm team at their capping ceremony.
The group stage draw, based on last season’s standings with new teams slotted in randomly, is as follows:
Group A
Group B
Group C
As the league continues to evolve, one thing is clear: Veterans Cricket in Eastern Storm is flourishing—and the 2025 season promises to be the most competitive and exciting yet.