Last weekend the Kwekwe first team had a home game against Alexandra Sports Club. The toss was won by Kwekwe and Dave Houghton had no trouble in electing to bat.

Kwekwe scored 214 runs in their allotted 50 overs with Terry Duffin being the highest scorer with 76 runs and Dave Houghton with 49 runs. Kwekwe did not get off to a very good start and after seven overs the score was 21 for four. At this stage Terry came to the crease and the stage was set for someone to stand up and be counted. Terry and Dave Houghton, as well as Colin Delport, came to the party and brought some relief to the scoreline.

The partnership between Terry and Colin for the fifth wicket lasted for 80 minutes and yielded 91 runs off 130 balls. The partnership between Dave and Terry for the sixth wicket lasted 48 minutes and yielded 61 runs off just 78 balls. There were four run-outs in the Kwekwe innings and most were due to excellent fielding, especially from R. Liddell. The best bowler for Alexandra Sports Club was C du Plessis with three for 36 in 10 overs.

Unfortunately the match was once again interrupted due to rain, but with the help of the ground staff and some enthusiastic Kwekwe cricketers and fans the outfield was soon dried off and play was able to resume within the half-hour period. As a result the Duckworth-Lewis system did not come into play.

Alexandra Sports Club only managed to score 139 runs in 41.2 overs despite having got off to a very good start. After just six overs the run rate was already up to five per over and then along came Dave Houghton who took a wicket with his very first ball. After this all the bowlers seem to take their cue from Dave and we were treated to some very tight controlled bowling. Best bowlers for Kwekwe were Houghton who took five for 34 in his allotted 10 overs and J. Friend who took four for 17 in just 8.2 overs.

The Kwekwe second team were due to travel to Harare to take on Harare Sports Club seconds at Alexandra Sports Club on the A field but due to the rain in Harare this came was called off at the eleventh hour. Kwekwe Queens Sports Club had a free-weekend.

Once again I have nothing to report from Gweru.

I am pleased to report yet again that the development sides here in the Midlands are doing well.

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