Cremer, Muzarabani star as the Faithwear series gets underway

Posted by brmtaylor.com admin on May 29, 2008

Northerns, the former Mashonaland outfit, have had mixed success thus far in the 2007-08 edition of the Faithwear Clothing Inter-Provincial One-Day Competition. Resting their key players for the first match, Brendan Taylor, Raymond Price and Elton Chigumbura all watched on as Northerns suffered an embarrassing defeat at the hands of a poor Westerns outfit, who had won none of their Logan Cup matches.

Westerns posted 212 from their 50 overs, and were boosted by the return of Keegan Meth, who despite making a duck, bowled well. Westerns also included Bradley Staddon, their only shining light from the Logan Cup, while internationals Keith Dabengwa, Tawanda Mupariwa and Chris Mpofu were also selected. Bornaparte Mujuru top scored for Westerns, with 53.

For Northerns, Graeme Cremer - awarded the captaincy - led from the front with 3/35 from 10 overs. Admire Manyumwa and Prince Masvaure each took 2 wickets.

Batting, Northerns were extremely disappointing, with openers Alois Tichana and Ishmael Senzere - both of whom made Logan Cup centuries, out for 2 and 19. Cephus Zhuwawo's spirited 42 not out got Northerns over 100, to 117 all out.

Bradley Staddon was the pick of the bowlers with 3/24, while Keegan Meth impressed with his 2/11.

In response to the loss, Ray Price played for and captained Northerns in their second match - against Centrals. It turned out to be a good selection, as he was the match winner. Centrals batted first, all out for 172, with Malcolm Waller contributing 54. Ray Price took 3/24 from his 9.2 overs.

Regis Chakabva got Northerns off to a good reply, with a solid 33. Some quick wickets left Northerns on the verge of defeat at 6/75, but Graeme Cremer played a vital innings of 54 not out to get the team over the line. Ray Price added 38 himself, and was unlucky not to take away the man of the match award, which went to fellow spinner Greame Cremer.

In the other matches, Southerns upset Easterns by 25 runs thanks to Hilary Matanga's 3/10, while the previous day Centrals overcame Southerns by 7 runs in a nailbiter. Taurai Muzarabani is one pleased man after adding 27 to take Centrals to 10/136, taking 4/12 to restrict Southerns to 10/129, and winning the man of the match award.