VILLAGERS PLAY CRICKET IN SOUTH AFRICA'S EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE, 2002-12-27 (photo)

Even the most impassion of appeals does not stir an umpire during the "AmaCal'egusha" (half a sheep) village cricket tournament near King Williamstown, December 27, 2002. While the game has often been seen as a traditionally white dominated sport in South Africa, the tournament has been played since the 1920's between villages in the country's rural Eastern Cape province. A lack of facilities has not dampened enthusiasm for the sport amongst whole communities in the region, which is the home of national squad players Makhaya Ntini and Monde Zondeki, both included in the country's team for the Cricket World Cup due to begin in February 2003. The original ovine prize has, however, been replaced in recent years with a more conventional trophy.-PICTURE TAKEN 27 DECEMBER-REUTERS/Mike Hutchings MH/CRB