At the time the strength of the South African Defence Force was boosted by conscription for all young white men, and as a consequence the South African Defence Force team were able to call on many young first-class cricketers, some of whom went on to play at Test level in the 1990s.
South African Defence Force began with a high-scoring draw against Eastern Province in 1984-85, then lost narrowly to Boland in 1985-86, easily beat Griqualand West in 1986-87, lost narrowly to Natal in 1987-88, drew against Boland in 1988-89, and finally drew against Orange Free State in 1989-90.
[1] The 1988-89 match against Boland was played at the Defence Force Ground, Windhoek.
[citation needed] Five South African Defence Force players scored centuries.
[3] The South African Defence Force players who later played Test cricket were Donald, Dave Callaghan, John Commins, Clive Eksteen, Steve Elworthy, Brian McMillan, Dave Richardson and Mark Rushmere.