Manicaland get a good start in Harare

Manicaland enjoyed a good day against Mashonaland at Harare Sports Club, amassing a total of 397, although only three batsmen made significant contributions. There was no time for the Mashonaland reply before the close.

Gus Mackay captained the Mashonaland team after the withdrawal of Brian Murphy, still not match-fit. With so many absentees, especially with the national side in Sharjah, there were many changes and a long tail. Mackay won the toss and put Manicaland in to bat on a pitch he expected to help the seamers a great deal, which did not prove to be the case.

There was a little early movement and Mashonaland took two quick wickets. Manicaland lost debutant Dion de Beer (8) and Richie Sims (0) with only nine on the board, but as usual in Logan Cup cricket Neil Ferreira hung in with his dogged style. He found an able partner in Guy Croxford, and the pair added 135 together for the third wicket, with Croxford (80) the main aggressor. He looked less confident against spin, though, and it was off-spinner Trevor Gripper who took his wicket for 80.

Gary Brent proved an able replacement, though, and finally his real batting talent came to life. He and Ferreira added 158 for the fourth wicket before Ferreira finally fell for 120. This began a minor collapse, Manicaland sliding from the heights of 302 for three to 316 for seven. Alex Taylor supported Brent while the latter reached his maiden first-class century, punishing the wayward bowling with due discretion, but the second new ball accounted for both of them.

The innings closed for 397, with Mackay taking three for 57. He did not bowl particularly well, especially in his opening spell, but took three vital wickets in the middle order. Amos Maungwa took two for 33 in 14 overs, the most economical of the Mashonaland bowlers thanks to his consistent line and length. Gripper took three for 83 in 24 overs, the most used of the bowlers.