RUZAWI Primary cricket captain Rhys Seaman led from the front with an unbeaten eight-ball off 22 runs as his team beat St Johns Prep First Team in an entertaining and well-supported ZB Hellenic Primary Day and Night T10 Cricket Festival final on Saturday.
Seaman finished unbeaten on 22, hitting three boundaries, getting able support from compatriot James Barry with two fours for his 14 from seven balls not out as Ruzawi totalled 46/2 in their reduced six overs.
The 10-year-old Grade 5 pupil also completed a stunning direct hit for a runout dismissal of St. Johns Prep's dangerman Dylan Rogers for 12 from seven deliveries. Barry was equally impressive in the field with his direct throw claiming the wicket of opener Joshua Woest for one run in six balls. St Johns ended their chase on 37/4, Ruzawi's Tawanda Madamba getting a wicket for nine runs in his over, while Nyapadi Nyenyedzi claimed two for three runs for St Johns.
The winning skipper, Seaman, was delighted to be moving over to senior boys cricket next year with a trophy to his credit.
"I'm feeling good. We bowled better than the other teams, we fielded and batted better than the other teams," said an ecstatic Seaman.
"It means a lot winning it, it just feels great. The unity in the team is great. My dream is to play international cricket, and my favourite players are David Warner and Sikandar Raza."
Ruzawi coach Julian Ndlovu paid tribute to the team's hard work and commitment.
"T10 is a lottery, sometimes you need things to go your way, you need luck as well but you really need to concentrate. The most important things is concentrate on the basics and do the basics well," Ndlovu said.
- Ruzawi edge St Johns Prep in ZB
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"The result will always look after itself when you do that. I'm going to get my boys some chocolates to just say thank you for coming through in this tournament. They have worked hard, sacrificed a lot of time. They have breaktime practices at school. I'm really proud of them they really deserve it and I'm so happy for them."
This year's edition featured 10 teams divided into two groups of five. Group A comprised St Johns Prep, Hartmann House Colts, Hellenic, Musikili Primary from Zambia and Twin Rivers in their respect first to fifth group standings.
Group B had leaders Ruzawi, Chitungwiza's St Aidans Primary, Lilfordia, Whitestone and Springvale.
Title sponsor, ZB's executive head of brands Emilia Mabika said she is pleased with the tournament's reach which has enhanced ZB's brand visibility and reputation, reinforcing the financial services giant's commitment to community development.
"We're thrilled with the overwhelming success of the inaugural ZB Hellenic T10 Day and Night tournament. It exceeded our expectations, showcasing exceptional talent and teamwork," Mabika said.
"The tournament's unique format and exciting matches drew large crowds, demonstrating Zimbabwe's passion for cricket. The tournament's success demonstrates ZB's dedication to corporate social responsibility.
"We look forward to continuing this exciting journey, fostering cricket excellence and community engagement. Our partnership with Hellenic Academy proved invaluable, ensuring seamless logistics and a top-notch playing experience."
Other corporates that lined up to support the tournament in no particular order included Croco Motors, Enbee, Paroan Vista, CABS, RADX Construction, Zimoco, Orca, Dusk Home and St Elmo's. There was also the huge footprint of Autoworld, Rossi Quick Fit, Paragon, Sable Chicken, Spar, Jeep, Dulux, Mukuru and Mashonaland Holdings.
