Local league started in Bulawayo over the weekend and the most encouraging result came from the newly introduced Bulawayo Development team which recorded a comprehensive win over Milton by 184 runs. Both teams were making their debuts in first-league cricket.

This innovation augurs well for cricket and the future development of black cricket in line with the policy of the Zimbabwe Cricket Union, and their progress will be closely followed.

In the other match BAC beat Queens Sports Club by six wickets, with the highlight being the performance of 15-year-old Shaun Williams who took three for 21 in 5.1 overs.

In the other matches played, Bulawayo Sports Club beat Macdonald Club by 44 runs while Jimbos - another club new in the league - lost to Crescents by 95 runs.

Over the past few years cricket in Bulawayo has suffered from both lack of interest and apathy and it is most pleasing to see new additions to the league. The introduction of Test cricket, television coverage and the continual all-year-round cricket has provided the interest and realization that cricket and all that goes with this great game can and will be enjoyed by all races in Zimbabwe.

To prepare for the forthcoming Logan Cup competition next year, Matabeleland are preparing to undertake a short tour to Kenya later in the year and are currently negotiating with the Kenya Cricket Association to organize dates. This will allow the Kenya team to prepare for the proposed overseas tour they wish to undertake early next year.

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