Victoria High School (Masvingo, Zimbabwe) cricket report for 1999

The 1999 season was a big success to the upcoming and well motivated young cricket teams of Victoria High.

The first team comprised Blessing Mahwire and Robertson Chinyengetere, both of the sixth form; Enock Makwara, Munyaradzi Muusha, Takawira Mundure and Enock Mugwagwa, all of the fourth form; Tapiwa Muzorori and Steven Chiuta, both of the third form; Hillary Matanga and Tinashe Chitsaka, both of the second form; and Jemton Chinyengetere of the first form. They started off the season on a high note. They won all their league matches and drew with a school from South Africa, St Martin's High School in Johannesburg.

The captain, Blessing Mahwire, was selected for the under-19 national team in 1997, voted the most promising new and upcoming batsman at the 1999 cricket festivals and selected for the selectors' eleven at the under 19 trials in the same year. He played a pivotal role in the team with his all-round dominance. Robertson Chinyengetere, who was also selected for the selectors' eleven at the under 19 trails, also played an important role in the team. Tapiwa Muzorori, an under 16 finalist, helped in the bowling attack and was a reliable batsman. Steven Chiuta improved drastically to open the batting. Enock Makwara contributed with his all round performance. Takawira Mundure took over the wicket-keeping well with a wonderful performance behind the stumps. Jemton Chinyengetere, the youngest player in the team, owing to his all-round performance, was felt by the opposition teams. Munyaradzi Muusha was placed in the team because of his brilliant style in fielding.

The second team, which was made up of form ones, included Tinashe Chitsaka (cap), Elliot Rutsati, Kondwani Banda, Tawanda Mungure, Nyasha Mpofu, Daniel Chiviru, Wilson Run'anga, Farai Sibanda, Terence Mhlope, Keith Haurobi and Ashby Mutumbamwe, had its own ups and downs. They won four out of the nine games they played. Individuals to note are Nyasha Mpofu, an all-rounder; Tawanda Mungure, a fine wicket-keeper; Farai Sibanda, a spin bowler; and the captain Tinashe Chitsaka, also an all-rounder.

Problems encountered during the season are as follows. The cricket club at this school has grown encouragingly but the equipment available is not enough to cater for every player during practice sessions. During the rainy season, the boys do not have the chance to practise since they do not have an all-weather pitch.

STATISTICS

Vic 1st 221 for 9; Marondera 1st 67 all out. Vic high won by 54 runs

Vic 1st 93 for 4; Lord Malvern 1st D.N.B. Game rained off

Vic 1st 145 for 8; M.C.C. 144 all out. Vic won by 1 run

Vic 1st 132 all out; Mutare Boys 28 all out. Vic won by 88 runs

Vic 1st 193 for 8; St Martin's(SA) 154 for 5. Match called off

Vic 1st 120 for 8; Marondera 1st 53 all out. Vic won by 2 wickets

Vic 1st 123 for 9; Marondera 1st 36 all out. Vic won by 1 wicket

Vic 2nd 91 for 8; Marondera 2nd 90. Vic won by 1 run

Vic 2nd 134 for 6; MCC 2nd 154 for 7. Vic lost by 20 runs

Vic 2nd 89 for 9; Mutare 2nd 109 all out. Vic lost by 20 runs

Vic 2nd 243 for 8; Kyle College 254 for 6. Vic lost by 2 wickets

Vic 2nd 154 all out; Marondera 98 for 8. Vic lost by 56 runs

FESTIVALS 1999

01/09/99 Vic 1st 214 for 7; Marondera 48 all out. Vic won by 3 wickets

02/09/99 Vic 1st 93 all out; Cranborne Boys 94. Vic lost by 1 run

03/09/99 Vic 1st 157 for 8; Vainona High 153 all out. Vic won by 2 wickets