Sports administrators shocked over death of scorer

Kimberley: 13 Oct 2000 - Administrators, players and management from both Griqualand West and North West have expressed shock and dismay at the sudden collapse and death, at the start of day two in the match between Bangladesh and Griqualand West, of dependable scorer Mr. Piet Hourani.

Hourani (67) from Klerkdorp had been a senior scorer for Griquas since 1995 but had been involved in scoring matches in the area for the last 35 years. He was also very active in scoring during country district competitions and was very proud of the fact that he had scored at all levels of the game.

Hourani collapsed in the scorers box soon after arriving at the ground with a suspected heart attack. Players, spectators and administrators from both teams lined the pitch before the start of the match in a show of respect for the humble, loveable and loyal Piet "Pencil".

Mr Keith Lane from CricInfo who was alone with Hourani in the scorers box said, "At about 09:15 I was busy setting up my equipment for the start of the match when Piet slowly fell sideways off his chair and collapsed". Attempts to resuscitate the deceased by Lane and Mr Brian Kidson, General Manager of Griqualand West Cricket Board, who arrived soon afterwards, were unsuccessful.

A doctor who was at the scene within minutes announced Hourani dead at 09:30. Hourani apparently leaves no next of kin.