Marlie J. Barnes as an opening batsman was ‘destruction’ personified. Generations later, son Abdul Latif “Tiefie” strode cricket fields, here and abroad, in majestic fashion, initially as a slow/medium bowler, and gradually as a top-order batting kingpin in all levels of cricket.
Hassim Rasdien, the only surviving member of the cricket quartet of brothers, was, undoubtedly, the jewel in this illustrious sporting family. An extraordinary top-order batsman, an exquisite fielder on either side of the wicket, he was also a soccerite of the highest calibre.

It is popularly argued that the dehumanising apartheid of yesteryear may have precluded him from representing South Africa in both these codes of sport.

Eldest brother Abdul Magiet, a shrewd tactician, was an all-rounder of note. Wicketkeeper and lower-order batter
“Curly” was most reliable when the need arose, and Aboobaker “Bokka” was an excellent rugby player and a devastating striker of the ball in cricket.

However, it is my want to pen this tribute to the likeable batting craftsman, both stylish and flamboyant, Hassim “Keteltjie” Abrahams (now deceased) who had plied his trade in the evening of his glittering career, under the Crescents banner.

A useful spin-bowler, he was also a brilliant fielder, especially in the covers, and in the mid-wicket/mid-on area.

Initially slight in built, he was mammoth in mental make-up, reliable to the core in the course of his contribution to his team. His sterling performances are numerous to mention. However, I wish to dwell on one particular one of which I was a most fortunate witness.

It was a crucial fixture in the Transvaal Super League, and Crescents travelled westward to Lichtenburg (in North-West Province today) for the one-and-half-day match.

Details, in terms of figures, remain sketchy, but the ultimate outcome will, forever, be indelibly imprinted on my mind.

The weather was overcast, casting a gloomy shadow on Crescents’ hopes of achieving an outright win to annex the Super League Title. Other teams in the running had already completed their fixtures a week earlier.

It was reliably ascertained that the hosts were willed by “outside” forces to deny Crescents by all means, fair or foul.

When it was Crescents’ turn to bat a second time, there were eight overs of play remaining, and the target for victory . . . . . .105 runs!
Unaccustomed openers were Abrahams and Barnes. When boundaries were scored, the fielders literally sauntered in to retrieve, and return the ball for play to continue. In comparison, Barnes was almost a pedestrian partner. Crescents players and supporters were “off-field” fielders, returning the ball to the opposition ’keeper after each boundary hit.
With just under ten minutes remaining, Abrahams hoisted one of their quicker bowlers for a six over long-on. Crescents were the improbable victors, if all other factors were taken into account.
Barnes’ contribution in the 100-odd run partnership was . . . . . 16, and he was no slouch with the bat.

Sixes and fours aplenty from one Abrahams, and the celebrations went on till early next morning for the winners.
What a champion, what a remarkable cricketer.

Rest well, Hassim.