The Kwekwe first team travelled to Mutare to play the Mutare Sports Club first team last weekend.

When we arrived at the grounds on Sunday it was to find that only the wicket had escaped the effects of the rain that had fallen the previous day. The rest of the square was very sodden underfoot and the start of the game was delayed as the ground staff tried to do a patch-up job on the square, which consisted of covering large portions of the square with sawdust.

Kwekwe batted first and were dismissed for a miserly 145 runs in 47.2 overs, the top scorers being Luther Mutyambizi with 38 runs, John Vaughan-Davies with 28 runs and Brendon Vaughan-Davies with 23. Kwekwe certainly missed the batting experience of skipper Dave Houghton, who is at present away in South Africa with the Zimbabwe Under-19 team.

The best bowlers for Mutare were Richard Sims with three for 32 in ten overs, Ian Coulson two for 28 in eight overs and Jon Brent two for 6 in 2.1 overs.

Mutare then batted after lunch and scored the required amount of runs with 146 for two in 21.1 overs. The top scorers were Richard Sims with 72 runs and Mark Burmester with 39. Best bowlers for Kwekwe were Martin Pretorius, one for 30 in four overs, and Colin Saunders, one for 42 in five overs.

The second team were due to host Universal seconds but Universals cancelled the match.

Kwekwe Queens Sports Club were due to host Alexandra third team but due to a water-logged outfield the game was postponed. Once again I have nothing to report from Gweru.

I am pleased to report yet again that the development sides here in the Midlands are doing well and continue to have their friendly games on Saturday mornings. There are plans under way for this little tournament to include the Gweru Sports Club side.

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