CFX Academy cruised to a 149-run victory over Manicaland at Mutare Sports Club yesterday with four sessions to spare. Needing 312 to win at the start of the day, Manicaland were all out for 163 shortly before tea, handing their juniors an embarrassingly simple victory.

Adding only 7 to their overnight score, CFX Academy quickly succumbed to a rejuvenated Justin Lewis back to his best at the town end. Too late to make an impact on the game, he did however show national sector Dave Houghton why he has terrorized visiting batsmen this year. Suffering from a strained muscle earlier in the game, he immediately pushed one across danger-man Barratt's bat and then snagged the groping tail-ender Chiri.

For Manicaland to compete in this game they needed big performances from Lewis, Ferreira and Andre Soma. Only Ferreira delivered, and then not enough. His fifth first-class century in the first innings was an elegant effort but he joined the rest of his teammates in under-valuing his wicket in the second innings.

Disaster struck early for Manicaland as Ferreira forced Jordane Nicholle to backward point where Glen Barrett hung on to the catch. Next ball Andre Soma stepped back to leave - only to watch the ball cannon off his pads onto the stumps. Kingsley Went (14) flailed at the hat-trick ball and three attempts later finally located a fielder able to pouch one of his suicide offerings.

Nyeem Sheth (40) and Alec Taylor (30) briefly kept the wolf from the door, but no one was in any doubt that Manicaland lacked the stomach for a long fight. Their body language lacked self-belief and their tactics bespoke quickfix. They were unwilling to apply prolonged run-denying pressure when fielding, resorting to unsustainable attacking fields for their out-of-form bowlers.

For the Academy Jordane Nicholle (four for 46) was the pick of the bowlers. Possessing good late inswing and a change-up bouncer that tested everyone, this son of a Filabusi miner is a late developer. Having only been bowling for two years, he moved from Falcon College third team to the first team, and thence to Zimbabwe Under-19 all in one year, and seems the natural successor to the talented but reluctant Andy Blignaut whose attitude continues to keep him out of the Zimbabwe team.

Another to impress with the ball was Piet Rinke, the Old Hararians seamer who cuts the ball both ways and bowls from wide out - drifting the ball away looking for the edge. He surprised Alec Taylor with a lifter that caught him in two minds - sending him from the ground with a broken thumb. Captain Andre Hoffman (23) led from the front, contributing with bat and ball and winning an important toss.

Umpire Mark Deary made his debut in first class cricket and was criticized by Manicaland for a number of decisions. Co-umpire Kevan Barbour – whom Dave Houghton currently rates number one in Zimbabwe – was however quite satisfied with his performance.

Glen Barrett, son of former national rugby winger Eric Barrett, scored 186 exciting runs and has great potential as an all rounder. Injury prevented him bowling in the match.

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