The Sunday Mail
Westridge Primary School clinched their maiden Super 8 Cricket title in style at Alexandra Park School last week.
The Ridgeview based school narrowly beat Gateway by four-runs in the final and finished the tournament unbeaten.
To cap-off an excellent day for Westridge, they produced the tournament’s best wicket-keeper Tapiwa Mapiro and the best all-rounder Tadiwa Mwale.
It was a thrilling conclusion to this 16th edition of the Alex Park U13s tournament that was graced by Chevrons player Hamilton Masakadza.
Eight primary schools namely Chipembere, Gateway, Hartman House, Hellenic, Heritage, Highlands, Westridge and the hosts Alex Park participated.
Masakadza believes the future of the gentlemen’s game is bright.
“There was a high level of competition and the boys really looked like they enjoyed themselves,” said Masakadza.
“There also an immense amount of passion from both the coaches and players.
“It looked very organised and there was a lot of support from the parents which was very encouraging.
“All in all tournaments like this are very important for the boys as they play a really big part in their development as cricketers.
“There was a lot good cricket played which augurs well for the future of Zimbabwe cricket,” he said.
Tournament director Elliot Mushaninga said cricket development is their intention.
“The aim of the tournament is to encourage wider interest in playing cricket amongst local U13 cricketers in primary schools both government and private schools,” he said.
“Thus, developing the game of cricket from grass roots level, building confidence in junior cricketers at their level best and get maximum enjoyment of the game.
“This tournament also encourages aggressive, risky, entertaining batting and all other aspects of the game and we are pleased with the support we receive from the dedicated Head of Alex Park Mr E Marume, staff, parents, well-wishers donations and companies,” he said.
Other tournament accolades saw Gateway awarded the Hobart Shield, Alex Park taking the Most Spirited Team award.
In other individual awards Gateway’s Greg Pechey scooped the Best Batsman award, Hartman House’s Moses Gwese was the best fielder while the best bowler award went to Mathew Schonken of Hellenic.
