THE second round of the Mashonaland Vigne Cup kicked off with Harare Sports Club moving to the top of the standings as they displaced hapless Old Hararians who, as has been the case in the National First League this season, slumped to a heavy home defeat.

The programme was somewhat marred by the absence of most national team players who were expected to return to domestic action after returning from the four-month overseas tour. Gavin Rennie and Doug Marillier were the only national team player to take part in the January 27 programme amid speculation by some quarters in the MCA that the national players have decided to shun the provincial tournament.

Despite Rennie and Marillier's presence, Alexandra Sports Club slumped to a six-wicket defeat at Harare Sports Club. Alex batted first and were all out for 108 in 34 overs with Rennie making 49 before being caught behind off the bowling of the chicken farmer Eddo Brandes. John Cornford took four wickets for 20 off his 10 overs while A Hoffman claimed three for 44 from 10 overs.

In reply HSC reached 109 for four after 30.4 overs with Hoffman making 38, while former national team paceman Andy Blignaut took three wickets for 23 off nine overs.

Former leaders Old Hararians lost by 107 runs in their home game against Universals. Universals were all out for 229 in 42.5 overs with Imran Meman the top scorer on 32, while opener Tafadzwa Madondo made 30 runs. OH were skittled out for 122 in 35.2 overs as they chased the victory target of 230. Shiraz Adam took three wickets for 21 off 8.2 overs while Petros Sanyika finished with three for 26 off six overs.

In the other match Takashinga recovered from their disappointing start to the 2002 calendar year with a morale-boosting 125-run win over Old Georgians. Takashinga made 258 for seven off their allotted 50 overs with opener Vusa Sibanda leading the scoring on 47, while Walter Chawaguta weighed in with 45. OGs were then dismissed for 133 in 45.3 overs with Patrick Gada claiming four wickets for 20 off 10 overs, while Amos Maungwa took four for 49 off 10 overs.

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