Although the province’s representative sides have not been in action and the rainy season ahs arrived, cricket has not slowed down in Mutare.

As mentioned in a previous report, we encourage the participation of all cricket-lovers in our province. By adding a couple of modifications to our Nissan School of Excellence facility, it is possible to play a slightly modernised form of indoor cricket. Floodlights mean we can play 24 hours a day provided the weather holds out due to the facility being in the open.

Two leagues have been formed and games take place on Wednesday and Friday evenings. On a Wednesday it’s the big boys who take to the court. There are five teams who are all improving all the time. The games are highly competitive and with one round of games almost completed there are three teams in the race for the honour of securing the inaugural tournament.

On Fridays the braais [barbecues] are lit, the beers put on ice and the social (indoor) league takes place. There are no age restrictions and woman are welcome. Again the rules have been modernised to accommodate both the younger and female participants. At this stage we have five teams in the league with commitments from a further two for next season. Fun is had by all and the party always draws in much-needed funding as well as a refreshing change to the normal.

Hillcrest first team are due to go on tour to South Africa and Botswana shortly, and to raise money an all-day festival for social (indoor) enthusiasts was held. This was a huge success and I am sure we could enter the record books for the largest amount of beer and boerewors consumed over an eight-hour period. The kids were the focal point and prizes were awarded for outstanding performances and sportsmanship. Mutare Bottling (Coca Cola) sponsored the day and have offered to make it an annual event.

The near future holds great things for Mutare cricket. The continued improvement of our player base and the distinct possibility of funding to improve our playing facilities are getting us all very excited. Having a committee meeting and being able to plan long-term and make decisions for the bettering of the future of the game in Manicaland Province is very rewarding.

Playingwise, we have a busy run up until Christmas and now we have the taste of victory I am very confident we will be making steady progress up the National League table. Our preparations for first-class cricket will begin soon and as we will have our full side available we are all hoping for another rewarding season.

This weekend sees Mutare Sports Club host the match between Easterns from South Africa and the Zimbabwe Board XI in the Castle Bowl competition. The three-day game starts on Thursday 23 through to Saturday 25 November. A good pitch that will have something in it for the bowlers has been prepared and a result game is anticipated. The one-day game on Sunday I am sure will be well supported and the best of luck to our local players.

© Cricinfo