The Masvingo-based abbatoir and meat wholesalers, Carswell Meats, are the new sponsors of the 1999/2000 Masvingo Provincial Cricket League, which started in the second half of September 1999. Teams from Hippo Valley, Masvingo Lotus, Masvingo and Triangle are competing for the new Floating Trophy and various individual performance prizes.

Up to the weekend of 23 and 24 October 1999, six matches had been completed with notable performances being recorded by a number of players. P Auret (Lotus) and R Jongwe (Triangle) have both scored centuries with G Halliday (Masvingo), B Mawere (Lotus), M Takawira (Lotus) and H.Souchon (Hippo Valley) all scoring half-centuries. On the bowling side, R Billing (Masvingo), C Cruse (Hippo Valley), N Gaylard (Triangle), T Nelson (Lotus), M Moody (Triangle), R Longwe (Triangle), E Makwara (Lotus), B Mawire (Lotus), and P Auret (Lotus) have all taken three or more wickets each in a match.

With all teams, except Masvingo, having played three matches, the league table is as below.

Points

Masvingo Lotus 54 Triangle 52 Masvingo 28 Hippo Valley 26

Coaching and Development.

At present the Zimbabwe Cricket Union sponsors two full-time cricket coaches based in Masvingo. These coaches visit schools around the town and district in an attempt the develop cricket and with the limited resources at their disposal have done a tremendous job. The major drawbacks in the further development of cricket within the province is equipment and grounds. The ZCU is looking into these drawbacks and will act on them when funds become available.

Companies wishing to help in the supply of equipment for development use please contact the Chairman of the Masvingo Province, Richard Billing, on cell (011) 202651.