Manicaland were denied victory over Matabeleland in the four-day Logan Cup game at Mutare Sports Club last weekend through the loss of three sessions (equivalent to one whole day) to bad weather. The city received nearly 100 millilitres of rain during the game - too late to alleviate Zimbabwe's drought - but crucial to ensuring Matabeleland's escape.

The new covers were the subject of ongoing discussion during the game - from their correct usage and management to their vulnerability to vandalism after-hours. The first session of the game was lost when ground staff tipped water onto the playing surface whilst removing the covers after overnight rain. In the ensuing battle to roll and dry the effected areas Ground Manager Joel Muzeya managed to leave his toes in the path of the advancing roller with painful consequences. He was seen hobbling with a bandaged foot for the next few days.

More sinister were the late-night attentions of a pair of drunken young white thugs. In a destructive carousel they spent quality time wheel-spinning the wet out-field and skid-braking over the million-dollar covers. The lone outnumbered security guard was obliged to call in back-up after observing the pair return next door to the Motoring Club bar. On the arrival of the reaction squad the pair evaded capture and drove off at high speed.

Citizens of Zimbabwe have little to fear from drink-driving enforcement - breathalyzers are non-existent and drivers are often seen daylight cruising with beer bottles in hand. A report was made to the police after the barman positively identified the pair and the matter was concluded next day when an admission of guilt fine of Z$60 (US$0.18) was paid at the central charge office.

At they were known repeat-offenders from wealthy local families, the Manicaland Cricket Association is taking legal advice on how to proceed against them for the estimated Z$100,000,00 damage to the covers. The association will be further concerned that the incident might have resulted in the game being called off - resulting in further financial implications and doubts about the city's suitability to stage such matches.

The game was a disappointing end to the season for Manicaland although some individual `best-evers' were achieved. In Manicaland's 574-run total Neil Ferreira hit a maiden first-class double century (210) with 22 fours and his second-ever six. With two other Logan Cup centuries to his name this season the selectors must surely resurrect his national career -put on hold in Sri Lanka two years ago.

Paul Strang hit a customarily unorthodox 154 (26 fours), surpassing his previous best (106) against Pakistan in the Sheikhapura Test of 1997. Leon Soma had a good match, hitting a psychologically damaging 52-ball 75 (8 fours, 4 sixes) in a pinch-hitting role from number three, and taking 3/60 in Matabeleland's first innings. Matabeleland scored 210 in their first innings with Gary Brent's standout figures of 24-7-64-5 testimony to the skill and variety needed on such a stone-dead pitch.

Captains `Podge' Williams and Neil Ferreira called their teams in half an hour after tea on the fourth day with Matabeleland looking secure on 206 for three and bad weather coming in.

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