The Logan Cup returns for 2009

Posted by brmtaylor.com admin on March 17, 2009

Old Hararians Sports Club and Alexandra Sports Club will once again return to the First Class arena after ZC has announced the venues and fixtures for the 2008-09 edition of the Logan Cup. The Logan Cup is the premier domestic competition in Zimbabwe; it has been contested since 1903-04 and was the brainchild of JD Logan who put together a trophy to be played for by the different regions of Rhodesia.

The competition remained almost unchanged for over a century, but in 2006-07 the domestic format was overhauled.

2008-09 marks the third year of the new format and the quality of competition is expected to be at its highest for several years. There are still rumours circulating about the return of Brendan Taylor, while all of the national team players will be available to play for their teams. Westerns look set for a big tournament, with Test star Mark Vermeulen almost certainly going to make his First Class return for Westerns alongside Charles Coventry. Up and coming pace bowler Khawulani Ntuli who retired from domestic cricket last year is also expected to make a return.

The Logan Cup will be split into 6 rounds of 2 matches. Unlike previous years, only 4 teams will contest the trophy. Southerns has become defunct; Northerns, Easterns, Westerns and Centrals remain.

Northerns, despite a disappointing return in the Faithwear series, go into the series as favourites given the quality of proven Test performers in their ranks. They include Ray Price, Graeme Cremer and Tatenda Taibu - and potentially Brendan Taylor. Peter Moor, the Zimbabwe U-19 player, has been touted as a potential star. Moor scored 30 in his solitary Faithwear appearance so would seem a good chance at Logan Cup selection in the middle order. Westerns are my second pick, given the experience of Mark Vermeulen, Charles Coventry and Tawanda Mupariwa. Easterns have quality players in their lineup including Prosper Utseya, Hamilton Masakadza and Timycen Maruma although these players strengths have traditionally been in the one day format.

Centrals marquee players are Chamu Chibhabha and Ed Rainsford, but it is unlikely that these two alone can carry the team to success. Having said that, there is considerable potential in their lineup including Malcolm Waller and Nathan Waller. Roger Kahiya could also prove to be a surprise packet if selected.

Fixtures for the Logan Cup:

March 24 - 27: Northerns vs Centrals at Harare Sports Club
March 24 - 27: Westerns vs Easterns at CFX Academy
March 31 - April 3: Northerns vs Westerns at Alexandra Sports Club
March 31 - April 3: Centrals vs Easterns at Old Hararians Sports Club
April 6 - 9: Westerns vs Centrals at Harare Sports Club
April 6 - 9: Northerns vs Easterns at CFX Academy
April 21 - 24: Northerns vs Centrals at Alexandra Sports Club
April 21 - 24: Westerns vs Easterns at Old Hararians Sports Club
April 28 - May 1: Northerns vs Westerns at CFX Academy
April 28 - May 1: Centrals vs Easterns at Harare Sports Club
May 5 - 8: Westerns vs Centrals at Old Hararians Sports Club
May 5 - 8: Northerns vs Easterns at Alexandra Sports Club