ANDY FLOWER CRUSHES ALEXANDRA

Many of the Zimbabwean national players turned out for their respective clubs for the first time this season to add some spice to the penultimate round of Vigne Cup matches of the season.

Andy Flower lead the charge as he smashed the hapless Alexandra bowlers to all corners of the Eaglesvale School ground, inspiring Winstonians to a thumping 106-run victory. Flower, who has hardly taken a break since returning from Australia, followed up his recent international form to score easily more than half his side's total, receiving support from Bruce Makovah who weighed in with 59. Alex, set a target of 235 for victory, were never in the chase as the Winstonian bowlers kept a tight line and length. Alex skipper Gavin Rennie could not emulate the batting heroics of his national team-mate, and although several batsmen reached scores in the twenties, none was able to bat for any length of time, and Alex were dismissed for 128. Stewart Matsikenyeri continued to show promise as an all-rounder, taking 3/22 off 10 overs of off-spin. Norbert Manyande also impressed once again with the new ball, and even Flower displayed his all-round talents with a spell of 8-0-21-0. The defeat is a blow to Alex's title aspirations as they slipped off the top of the log into second place.

At Old Hararians, the national league champions, were soundly defeated by a strong Old Georgians side, who subsequently moved to the top of the log. OH were below strength, missing Trevor Penney, Gary Brent and Paul Strang, but still able to field Brian Strang and Dirk Viljoen. Old Georgians welcomed back skipper Gus Mackay and Grant Flower from their Australian exploits, as well as Craig Evans. Surprisingly, it was the left-arm spin bowling of Grant Flower that swung the match as he returned 4/20 as OH were dismissed for 119. OGs were faced with 120 to win that they achieved easily for the loss of four wickets. Gus Mackay fell cheaply to Bryan Strang, but Craig Evans smashed an unbeaten 49 to snuff out any OH hopes of a win.

At Harare Sports Club the home side struggled to 153 all out in 41.1 overs against Universals. Douglas Hondo, who has improved tremendously this season, claimed 3/18, while Eddo Brandes top-scored for the hosts with 27. Universals made heavy work of the chase as Brandes struck with the new ball to claim three early wickets. Alester Maragwede played a sensible innings in the middle order as the other batsmen batted around him, and Universals won by three wickets with four overs to spare.

The final round of the competition will be played on 18 March. Only Old Georgians and Alexandra can win the title and both face tough matches. Alex will host Universals whilst OGs will be entertained by Sports Club.

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