Last week's 2000 West African Championships in Banjul, Gambia, were notable for who was and wasn't there.

That Sierra Leone was there, let alone won the tournament, was a remarkable triumph of the human spirit following that country's devastating Civil War.

That Nigeria wasn't there, following problems in obtaining government funding, was also notable given its reputation as the giant of West African cricket.

Details received by 'Beyond The Test World' were extremely sketchy, however, Sierra Leone retained the Sami Abacha Cup after winning both its matches in the three game tournament played at Banjul's Medical Research Council ground.

Man-of-the-Series was Sierra Leone wicket-keeper Sahr Kpundah who guided his team home in the final match against Ghana and kept wickets well in both matches.

Known match details:

Ghana 162 all out (36.2 overs) defeated Gambia 107 all out (30.2 overs) by 55 runs

Sierra Leone 214(?) (46.5 overs) defeated Gambia 185 all out (42 overs) Ghana lost to Sierra Leone

1st - Sierra Leone; 2nd - Ghana; 3rd - Gambia