The cricket fraternity of Boland and the greater Western Cape bade farewell to Howard “Howie” Bergins after a short illness late last year.
Born in Oudtshoorn, he played in 22 first-class cricket matches between 1975 and 1987.
The Stellenbosch local not only played for Somerset West Cricket Club, but before his passing he was also appointed as a coach at Paul Roos Gymnasium in Stellenbosch.
Eikestadnuus spoke to Bergins’ decades-long friend Omar Henry, the former Protea bowler originally from Stellenbosch who now resides in the Helderberg. Their friendship spanned more than 40 years and the pair were teammates at club and provincial level, but were also members of the Boland Cricket Union.
“My friendship with Howard started in the early 1970s,” Henry recalled, “when we started to play against one another in ‘non-white cricket’ competitions under the Western Province and Sacboc umbrella during apartheid. We represented the WP cricket team in the Dadabay Trophy competition in 1975, which we won, Howard contributing to that achievement as a bowler.
“That was the time we became very good friends and teammates. I soon realised he was not only a natural athlete, but also a fine all-round cricketer. A fantastic human being and a student of the game.”
It came as no surprise to Henry that Bergins had opted to leave South Africa for the UK to pursue a professional cricket career in the club leagues. In 1978, Bergins decided rather to pursue his studies and persuaded his club to afford Henry the opportunity to play for it.
“We later also played together for Green Point CC under the ‘white’ WP Cricket Union. He went there first, and I followed shortly afterwards. There we were part of the first team that won the Premier League in the WP club competition.
“We took different paths for a while, and he left with Eddie Barlow to play his cricket at the Boland Cricket Union. I joined Boland in 1983, and it was then that I witnessed the impact Howard had on previously disadvantaged cricketers. He played a pivotal role in transforming Boland cricket.
“Many people crucified us for our decisions, but he believed he was contributing to transforming the game. All this occurred at a time when there was an enormous uncertainty and turbulence in the country, including the cricket fraternity. Howie never regretted playing SACU cricket. He was proud of his achievements and often said, ‘I made my decisions, and they should be respected just as I respect those who made different choices’.”
Bergins’ association with Barlow defined and shaped him, and he never allowed anything or anybody to deter him, Henry pointed out.
“His time spent playing for Boland and captaining Newtons through the ’80s and early ’90s was the happiest and most important period in his cricket life. He wouldn’t have had it any other way.
“Howie’s coaching in the last 10 years was immensely rewarding for him. He loved working with kids and transferring his vast knowledge of the game. I also believe that the opportunity afforded him at Paul Roos Gymnasium gave him a new lease on life.
“He didn’t play for the Boland over-50s team, but coached the team. He also managed various other teams. He was much loved and respected in that space. At the time of his death he was appointed coach of the South African over-40s side. To those who knew him well Howard will be remembered as a gentleman and very fine cricketer. May his soul rest in peace.”
