Faithwear round-up: day 3

Posted by brmtaylor.com admin on March 04, 2009

After a rest day, day 3 saw Northerns comfortably overcome Centrals as Easterns beat Westerns in tight encounter.

Northerns vs Centrals, CFX Academy

Northerns took on Centrals at the CFX Academy - despite reports that no more matches would be played there. It was reduced to a 30 over affair, and Centrals struck early with the returning Ed Rainsford taking the wicket of Regis Chakabva for a duck. Fellow opener Cephus Zhuwawo went on to make 34, including 3 sixes and a four. Elton Chigumbura added 29, but it was Graeme Cremer who stole the show with an agreesive 45 off 43 balls, including 2 sixes and a four. Trevor Garwe was a surprise packet with the bat, adding 25 from 14 balls before he was run out by Richmond Mutumbami off the final ball of the innings. All of the Centrals bowlers - Rainsford, Chinouya, Mahwire, Kamungozi, Chitongo and Chauluka - took at least one wicket. Mike Chinouya took 2/37. Chasing 172 in reply - a required rate of 5.73 an over - Centrals faltered, losing Bothwell Chapungu for 3, run out by Chigumbura. Chamu Chibhabha strengthened his case for a national recall with a 51 ball 56, including 4 fours and 3 sixes. Perhaps the boundaries were brought in a few dozen metres today. Unfortunately for the skipper nobody else was willing to stick aroud with him; only Blessing Mahwire at number 10 was able to make a worthwhile contribution with 18. Roger Kahiya continued to struggle at provincial level, this time out for 1 clean bowled by Admire Manyumwa. It was the twin spin of Graeme Cremer and Ray Price that caused the most problems. Price took 3/22 from 5.2 overs, while Cremer was still considered the standout with 2/14 from 5 overs having dismissed Erick Chauluka and Tendai Chitongo. Centrals were bundled out for 124, handing Northerns a 47 run win.

Westerns vs Easterns, Harare Sports Club

Easterns were sent in to bat at Harare Sports Club after Keith Dabengwa of Westerns won the toss. Also a reduced overs match - 26 overs - Easterns set a target of 161. Stuart Matsikenyeri blasted 62 from 59 to set the team in good stead. Hamilton Masakadza added 40 himself. Returning from injury, Tawanda Mupariwa took a single wicket while teammate Christopher Mpofu took 3. Charles Coventry led the chase for Westerns, finally hitting some form with a 52 ball 45. Freedom Takarusenga continued his good run of form with a valiant 21, an innings ended after Prosper Utseya knocked his stumps over. Timycen Maruma however - in another example of twin spin working well - was the key, taking 4/11, including Tafadzwa Ngulube for 19.

Despite playing one game less than their opponents, Northerns and Easterns are the clear table leaders at the moment. Northerns have 10 points to their name, while Easterns are right on their tails with 9. Westerns are currently in 3rd place with 4 points, while Centrals have yet to get off the mark.