Zimpapers Logo

Tuskers won the most coveted domestic cricket accolade in style as they have an outstanding match against MidWest Rhinos.
The Bulawayo club that became the first club in the new franchise system to successfully defend the Castle Logan Cup beat Mashonaland Eagles by an inning and 30 runs to retain the trophy.
In an interview yesterday, Houghton praised his bowling line-up for a sterling season’s performance.
All-rounder Keith Dabengwa, seamers Njabulo “Papa” Ncube, Bradley Staddon, Glen Querl and Richard Jones led Tuskers’ bowling attack.
“We played well especially in the Four-Day games but I must say my bowlers were outstanding. We hardly batted twice in a match as my seamers did a great job. We hardly used spinners and that is why John Nyumbu played less matches.
“Papa (Ncube) I must say was outstanding, with the likes of Querl, Jones and Thabo Mboyi occasionally doing well. Overall, it was teamwork that made us defend the Logan Cup successfully,” Houghton said.
Tuskers’ 2010 Fielder-of-the-Year Thabo Mboyi featured prominently in the One-Day matches, as it was difficult to break into first class cricket team.
Wicketkeeper Tafadzwa Ngulube provided gloves for the team taking over from Briton Adam Wheater with the likes of Sean Ervine and Jones joining Tuskers at a later stage.
Pace bowler Christopher Mpofu had his season prematurely ending in November while on duty with the national team due to a stress fracture on his back while Keegan Meth spent the better part with the national team.
Tuskers had a very strong squad last season.
“As Tuskers we had a very strong squad and we had a number of players knocking on the first team doors which meant those that were in the starting team were giving their best. Having a competitive side meant that we did not miss the players that went for national assignments or those who were injured as we had replacement,” Houghton said.
The former Zimbabwe international said next season they were going to work on their batting so that they could challenge the One-Day championship.
“We lost our first game in the One-Day on the last ball against Southern Rocks because we failed to concentrate while batting. Batting is an area we need to work on next season if we are to win the One-Day trophy,” said Houghton.