Poor Westerns finish bottom

Westerns, who claimed the runners-up spot last year, ended the 2008 Logan Cup without a victory after falling to a seven-wicket defeat against Easterns at Queens Sports Club. They collapsed in their second innings from 126 for 1 to 226 all out, leaving Easterns the relatively comfortable task of chasing 119 for victory.

Bornaparte Mujuru and Bradley Staddon carried their second-wicket stand to 102, but there was precious little resistance to follow. Mujuru was sixth out in the middle of the collapse for 90. Stuart Matsikenyeri's 53-ball 54 ensured there were few problems for Easterns in knocking off the runs in 23 overs. The key difference between the teams was Easterns' first-innings recovery from 224 for 8 - still trailing Westerns by six - to a lead of 108 through the efforts of Shingirai Masakadza at No. 10 who hit 68 off 84 balls.

There was an exciting finish at the Masvingo Sports Club as Southerns pulled up 36 runs short of their target while Centrals were three wickets away from victory in a match dominated by the spinners.

Michael Chinouya's four early wickets in the run chase made it hard work for Southerns and their middle order weren't able to recover in the time remaining. It was a fitting end to a keenly contested match, which featured two fine performances in the first innings. Tarisai Mahlunge, the opening batsman and wicketkeeper, made his maiden first-class century, finishing with 145 off 360 balls. However, he had to share the honours with legspinner Tafadzwa Kamungozi - who has four ODIs under his belt - as he claimed a career-best 8 for 125.

Brighton Mugochi, a 19-year-old left-arm spinner, responded with 5 for 80 to limit Southerns' lead to 12. Kamungozi couldn't add to his haul in the second innings, but Hilary Matanga claimed six wickets to set up the tight finish.

Final Standings

Team	Mat	Won	Lost	Tied	Draw	Aban	Pts
Northerns	4	4	0	0	0	0	75
Easterns	4	3	1	0	0	0	60
Southerns	4	1	2	0	1	0	42
Centrals	4	1	2	0	1	0	38
Westerns	4	0	4	0	0	0	18