adminthey dominated the team honours at a glittering ceremony.
Although the Bulawayo-based franchise did not bag the biggest crown on the night, which went to Mid West Rhinos’ Brendan Taylor, they had every reason to leave the stage with greater satisfaction than any of the five franchises.
Represented by their chief executive Stanley Staddon, Tuskers went to the podium twice to collect trophies after they were named the Castle Lager Franchise Team of the Year and the Best Administered Franchise of the season.
Staddon was thrilled by the achievements and gave credit to the team members for being outstanding in face of stiff competition from the other franchises.
“I think every franchise is just as competitive as ours and they also have good administration.
“But when you are chosen to be the Best Administered Franchise it is not about me or any other individual, it’s about everyone at Tuskers.
“We worked as a team and that is the key to success. If you don’t do that as an organisation you are bound to fail. At Tuskers it goes even beyond just teamwork. We are friends and we do things together.
“We had a good season last year and right now we are halfway through the competitions.
“I think our team has improved a lot this year and I give credit to the coaches, the players and everyone behind,” said Staddon. On a night when Tuskers were represented at the podium five times,
captain Gavin Ewing received the Castle Lager Logan Cup silverware for winning the premier first class competition last season while their mentor Dave Houghton was named Afdis Coach of the Year and all-rounder Keegan Meth scooped the South Africa Airways Bowler of the Year.
Tuskers have begun the new season on a promising note as they currently call the shots in the Logan Cup where they top the log table with an impressive run of three victories from four games.
Players like Craig Ervine, who joined them from Southern Rocks at the beginning of the season, Paul Horton, Glenn Querl, Terry Duffin, Keegan Meth and Chris Mpofu have been inspirational.
Querl, who has been playing in England, has been impressive in his debut season after beginning with a five-wicket haul in his first match and has maintained the form to remain the leading wicket taker in the competition to date with 25 scalps to his credit.
Staddon said Tuskers were looking forward to spreading the game to the whole of Matabeleland and to reach out to the remote areas in search of talent.
“For me the franchise system is working well and we got to keep it growing.
“Cricket in Zimbabwe has grown in leaps and bounds in the last few years. I think Cricket Zimbabwe has done well with the franchise system.
“Development is our main thrust and we are working with schools and school teachers in the province.
“It’s interesting how many people in Matabeleland North are eager to play cricket.
“We have to build more stadiums and we wish to do more on development but it needs money. I hope next year we get sponsors for that,” said Staddon.
Online Reporter