Manicaland cricket report

Last weekend saw two closely fought 30-over local league finals at Mutare Sports Club - the Easterns Districts final and the Oliver Jordan Cup.

Saturday afternoon's match saw Upper Vumba defeat Odzi in a nail-biting two-run affair, which rounded off the winter districts season. The men from Leopard Rock Mountains posted 238 for four in their 30 overs, with openers `Banda' (son of Don) Cripps and Alan `Courtney' Walsh retiring (in accordance with the competition's rules) on unbeaten fifties. 17-year-old leg-spinner Benji Holland chipped in with 48 whilst former Manicaland rugby hooker and cricket wannabee `Beefy' Campbell-Morrison butchered 46 in a late undignified assault on cow-corner.

Odzi's last wicket fell on 236 after Vince Lewis (50) and Bokkie Moolman (50) had taken the bona fide farmers (as opposed to landed-gentry type townies from the Vumba) to within reach of an unlikely victory. Benji Holland and Banda Cripps got three wickets each, whilst a searing ball in the covers hit Keith Holland's hand to effect one improbable dismissal. Both teams repaired to La Rochelle hotel in Penhalonga for a celebratory dinner after the game to support proprietor and winter-league sponsor Simon Herring in his unequal battle for survival in the Zimbabwean tourist industry.

On Sunday morning a tie was played out between old rivals Mutare Sports Club and Casuals Cricket Club for the inaugural Oliver Jordan knockout trophy. After winning the toss the bemused Casuals players were advised by their stand-in skipper Arthur `Sinks' Hone that their best interests would be served by fielding. Viewing the talented and youthful opposition on arrival that morning all Casuals players had decided the least painful option would be to bat, get knocked over early, give the opposition a small run chase and avoid a debilitating leather chase.

After opening bowler Gary Knoll's first over went for 11, charitable thoughts for the skipper declined further, but a good spell by former Zimbabwean player of the eighties Jon Brent (4/34) helped restrict M.S.C. to 217. Tafadzwa Madondo (92) (younger brother of the late Trevor) and Leon Soma (41) were the top scorers - aided by a succession of laughably bad dropped catches.

Pegged back by some fiery bowling from Academy speedster Leon Soma (2/22), Casuals never looked in the hunt. However a patient 62 from another eighties Zimbabwean player Kevin Walton and 25s from brothers-in law Tony Cumming and Gary Knoll saw them inch to within 18 for the last wicket in the 29th over. Still sensing no danger, M.S.C. captain Dion Yatras inexplicably withdrew Alan Walsh (3/7) from the attack and chucked the ball to Philip (son of Richard) Valentine for the final over.

A first-ball six from Sinks Hone, followed by five wides, turned the atmosphere from bonhomie to chaos as runs and overthrows mounted. The final twist was left to the skipper who with Kluseneresque eccentricity hit the penultimate ball straight to Leon Soma at silly point to be run out by 20 yards - needing only one for victory.

On reflection he was forgiven this indiscretion, having batted himself at 11 and refused to bowl - a landmark decision amongst Casuals captains.