Zimbabwe - Midlands Logan Cup report

Midlands were entered into the Logan Cup for the first time in almost ten years on the strength of three ex academy player / coaches and a spirited bunch of local lads accustomed to the more forgiving lower end of the National Leagues.

If we had been offered fourth place and a win over the defending champions at the start of the competition we may well have taken it, with a limited bowling attack and batsmen not experienced at this level our approach was to draw as many games as possible unless we found ourselves in a position to push for victory.

The first two games against Manicaland and the CFX Academy were particularly disappointing and our inexperienced top order batting was quickly exposed. Despite this, both games were not concluded until the third session of the third days play due to some resilient batting from Ray Price and Doug Marillier. Price's 82 in the second innings against Manicaland was a study in concentration and Marillier's 149 (with a broken finger) against the Academy was as flamboyant an innings ever seen at Kwekwe Sports Club.

The Matabeleland game saw Midlands finally achieve that elusive first innings batting point almost completely due to Marillier's magnificent 133. Bravely batting with a painful yet still undiagnosed broken finger, Marillier showed his class with a second consecutive century. The game headed towards an exciting conclusion with Matabeleland requiring 195 to win in the final innings but excellent bowling from Captain Colin Sanders ably supported by David Mutendera and Graham Ferreira saw the visitors fall short by 15 runs with only three balls in the match remaining.

Mashonaland was a disappointment. On an uneven wicket providing plenty of assistance to the bowlers our batting without Marillier ( finally pronounced injured ) collapsed and the type of result that we were so desperate to avoid was unfortunately recorded.

This was really the only negative factor of our campaign, the positives were many including ;

The upgrading of our wicket and outfield to first class status.

The exposure to first class cricket for many of our young players.

The general awareness of the game in the Midlands with the return of first class cricket.

Doug Marillier's first class batting average of 68.33.

Raymond Price' all round performance ( batting 25.37 ) ( bowling 22.86 ).

Thirteen wickets for Graham Ferreira at 18.46.

Nine wickets for Colin Sanders at 29.33.

It is likely ( although not confirmed ) that the three ex - Midlands players will return to Kwekwe next year from the Academy. These three are Travis Friend, Greg Haakonsen and Colin Delport. The three current player / coaches have pledged their support for next season and with this nucleus we anticipate a far more competitive Midlands Province in next years competition.