Easterns crush Northerns in Faithwear decider

Posted by brmtaylor.com admin on June 04, 2008

The series deciding match was, fittingly, the final game of the 2007-08 Faithwear one-day series between Northerns and Easterns. Both on 2 wins, with Centrals and Westerns having already played their final game, the winner of the clash would be crowned the champions.

Despite home ground advantage at Harare Sports Club, the Northerns bowlers struggled to contain the Easterns batsman. With Hamilton Masakadza, the usual captain, out injured, Timycen Maruma retained his opening position after scoring 83 in a previous match. Stuart Matsikenyeri, the stand in captain, played an innings to match, smashing 55 from 68 deliveries. Trevor Garwe, the Northerns opening bowler, played well, conceding 36 runs from his 10 overs, including the wicket of Alec Maparura. Prince Masvaure was not so lucky, his 10 overs coming at 6.4 each. Ray Price was as economical as ever, with 1/29 from 10 overs, while Graeme Cremer continued his outstanding series with 3 middle order wickets for 47 runs - Johnson Marumisa, Prosper Utseya and Stuart Matsika.

Forster Mutizwa, the wicket keeper batsman with two First Class centuries to his name, added 49 runs to the total, as did Shingi Masakadza, Hamilton's younger brother.

Without Elton Chigumbura and Brendan Taylor, Northerns batting has always looked shaky, and new wicket keeper Tinashe Chimbambo was evidence of this, falling for a 6 ball duck. Tatenda Taibu's bad series continued, with just 7 runs added. Ishmael Senzere continued his push for regular selection with 36, only hard hitting Cephus Zhuwawo outscoring him with 41, including a four and 4 sixes.

Ray Price and Graeme Cremer, two of Northerns better batsmen, departed for 6 and 0 respectively, leading Northerns to be bowled all out for 157. Steady Musoso and man of the match Shingi Masakadza each took 3 wickets, while Silent Mujaji chipped in with 2/29.

Final standings:

	Team		M	W	L	Pts
	Easterns	4	3	1	19
	Centrals	4	2	2	12
	Northerns	4	2	2	11
	Westerns	4	2	2	8
	Southerns	4	1	3	7