MATABELELAND Tuskers coach Wayne James hopes his side will continue their fine start to the season when they shift their attention to the country’s premier first-class competition, the Logan Cup against Mountaineers at Queens Sports Club starting today.
DANIEL NHAKANISO SPORTS REPORTER
The Bulawayo-based franchise opened their 2014 to 2015 domestic season in style after cruising to a 70-run victory over Mountaineers in a Pro50 Championship at the same venue on Sunday.
Mountaineers are the reigning champions in both the Pro50 Championship and the Logan Cup competition.
In an interview with our sister paper NewsDay Sport yesterday, James said although he was happy that his charges started off their season with a win, there were some areas they still needed to work on.
“Obviously we were delighted to start the new season with a win against Mountaineers and this is what the guys have been working hard for during the pre-season,” James said.
“In saying that we have also managed to identify some areas that we still need to work hard on and we will be looking to improve on those areas in the next match. Like any other team, we want to win all competitions and that also includes the Logan Cup as we have always done very well in the longer version of the game in the past.”
Middle order batsman Sean Williams, still fresh from the disappointment of being left out of the national squad currently touring Bangladesh, starred for Tuskers with a magnificent century.
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Williams smashed eight fours and a six from 109 deliveries in his 100, sharing a 166-run fourth wicket partnership with captain Godwill Mamhiyo (73) to take Tuskers to 261 for six in 50 overs.
In reply, Mountaineers never got close to the winning target, reaching 191 for eight in their allotted overs as new signing Brian Vitori picked three wickets for 50 runs on his Tuskers debut.
“We all know the off-field issues Sean has had recently and we have been recently been working very hard on his mental game. It was really pleasing to see him doing well and scoring a hundred on Saturday, the only disappointment was that he got out the very next ball after his milestone as he could have bated through,” James said.
Meanwhile, Mash Eagles will also be hoping to maintain their fine start when they take on Mid West Rhinos at Old Hararians Sports Club today after romping to a an easy five wicket win over the same opponents in the Pro50 Championship on Sunday.
Rhinos skipper Peter Moor had elected bat first after winning toss before they were bowled out for a timid 148 in 42,5 overs –a total Eagles easily surpassed after cantering to 151 for five with 92 balls to spare.
Mash Eagles will bank on the services of former Zimbabwe Under-19 star Ryan Burl, who scored an unbeaten 68 on his debut.
