THE selection of cricketers set to represent Morogoro in this year's National Inter-Primary Schools Sports (Umitashumta) competitions took centre stage at the SUA ground recently, with junior cricketers featuring in thrilling matches.

The Tanzania Cricket Association (TCA) Umitashumta Trials had participants from Morogoro Town and Gairo District putting their skills to the test at the venue, as disclosed by the association's officer.

Gairo District Council Girls stole the show in the trials, coming out victorious in two encounters.

In the opening tie, Gairo District Council Girls hammered Morogoro Municipal Girls by 10 wickets 

Having taken the crease first, Morogoro Municipal Girls lost steam, having ended up scoring 47 runs all out in 16.3 overs.

Opener Diana Banzi was, so far, the sole batter with an effort worth noting for the batting side, ending two runs short of two figures.

Morogoro Municipal Girls, to some extent, were boosted by 30 extras in what was largely a less convincing showing with the bat.

The Gairo District Council Girls bowlers, Esther Zakayo and Janet Mathias, ran rings around the Morogoro Municipal Girls batting unit, weakening the latter's resolve in the process.

Esther grabbed 3-6, winding up with a 4.00 economy rate, whereas Janet garnered two wickets, which witnessed the bowler post a 2.50 economy rate.

Needing 48 runs to secure victory, Gairo District Council Girls effortlessly reached the target in 9.3 overs, with none of the batters facing dismissal.

Esther and Janet went on to command a solid batting and propelled the Gairo District Council Girls to a comprehensive victory.

Esther was the top run-getter, nailing an unbeaten 20 runs, and forged an opening-wicket stand with Janet, with the latter hammering 19 runs not out. 

In the second clash, Gairo District Council Girls clobbered Morogoro Municipal Girls by eight wickets.

Morogoro Municipal Girls fought to showcase determination and ended up notching 57 all out in 14.5 overs after taking the crease first.

Gairo District Council Girls, then, showcased their batting virtuosity, having amassed 58/2 in 8.3 overs.

The trials, the TCA officer pointed out, aimed at scouting and selecting the best players from across Morogoro who will go on to represent the region in the Umitashumta games in Iringa in June.

He noted that the event was officially opened by the Morogoro Sports Officer, who inspired the participants to compete with passion, unity, and purpose.

The trials featured both boys’ and girls’ teams from the two centres, the TCA official revealed, adding that the level of cricket displayed was a testament to the rising standards of school cricket in Tanzania.

Upon the trials' completion, selectors will pick the top-performing players from both centres to form a strong regional boys’ and girls’ team that will proudly represent Morogoro in Iringa.

The association expressed its appreciation to all coaches, officials, and supporters for making the trials a success.

Cricket has, for the first time, been included in the Umitashumta competitions, showcasing TCA's efforts to successfully work with the government in boosting grassroots cricket development.