Manicaland Cricket Report

Things have been quiet in the province over the last couple of weeks except for the hosting of the Castle Bowl matches between the Zimbabwe Board XI and the Easterns Second XI from South Africa. This was a resounding success with both teams enjoying their stay in our beautiful city. The cricket was dominated by Zimbabwe who fielded a young side, which bodes well for the future.

On the development front the high-density schools always finish their season with the play-offs, which are held at Mutare Sports Club. This two-day event is very kindly sponsored by Central Pharmacy annually and again proved that our system is working. For many of these kids it is their first opportunity to play on a turf wicket and enjoy the luxury of having a grass outfield. The quality of player at this year's tournament was a huge improvement on the previous years. This is what it is all about and the sheer enjoyment the boys experience is a real eye-opener.

Mutanda School, a newcomer to the tournament, performed beyond all expectations, accounting for Mutare Junior in the semi-final and beating the past two years' champions Chirowakamwe in the final. The man of the match in the final is a bright prospect and although his team were in trouble at ten for two chasing 57 in the allotted twelve overs Vincent Girandi was unbeaten on 33 which included two fours and a six. This doesn't sound like much but when you take into account it is only the fifth match he has ever played, he is only twelve years old and they were playing on the main provincial field with no adjustments to the boundary, it is quite the opposite.

As Christmas draws near we still have two league fixtures to look forward to. This last weekend saw our first match abandoned due to rain and although the country needs it we as cricketers request better timing so we get to play the game we love so much. The cricketing potential in the province is in the starting blocks and who knows what we are capable of given favourable conditions in which to flourish?

The only private senior school in the province, Hillcrest College, is currently on a tour with their first XI in south Africa. Their first game, although affected by rain, was won comfortably; full details are not yet available. Since then, however, their next two games have had to be abandoned due to rain. As and when I get details they will be included in future reports.

The Manicaland Partridges team is due to play in Harare next week in their annual national trials. We have a real chance in getting a couple of boys selected and as I will be at the event details will be forwarded.