Ghana towers above Sierra Leone, Nigeria

Ghana was declared winner of the West Africa Quadrangular Cricket Tournament after their opponents, Nigeria, failed to turn up for the final match yesterday at the Achimota Cricket Oval. Sierra Leone finished runners-up while Nigeria finished third.

Ghana started on a good note after scoring 164 runs in 40 overs against Sierra Leone's 134 runs. Ghana's bowler, Peter Ananyah, was adjudged man-of-the-match after taking three wickets.

Superb batting from the likes of team captain Kofi Anafi and Obed Harvey also ensured smooth victory for the Ghanaians over the former champions.

The match of the tournament was that between Sierra Leone and Nigeria in which the former scored 211 runs in 50 overs in the second innings of the match.

Winning the game looked like an impossible task for Sierra Leone, especially after Nigeria scored 210 runs in 49 overs in their innings.

In the 50th over the Sierra Leoneans managed to score an incredible 4 runs in addition to their 207 to put them a run ahead of Nigeria.

The Quadrangular served as a preparatory tournament for the International Cricket Council (ICC) Associate level tournament in Benoni City, South Africa, to be held between April 23 and 30.

It was organised by the Chairman of the Ghana Cricket Association (GCA), Mr P.D. Vanderpuye-Orgle, and his organising team made up of GCA Vice-Chairman, Dr William Ampofo, and Co-ordinator, Osmo Kwame Addo.

In an interview with the Daily Graphic, Mr Vanderpuye-Orgle said he was glad that the tournament turned out a success in spite of the financial difficulties.

"It was very difficult because I had to do most of the organisation with my own resources," he disclosed.

He was particularly impressed about the high level of competition. "This gives an indication that the sport is growing steadily in the sub-region," he added.

According to him the GCA was relying on some Indian companies who had promised a Sports Programme on GTV but it was not forthcoming.

Mr Vanderpuye Orgle also disclosed that the team would present the Trophy to President Kufuor, before the it's departure to South Africa this week.

In a separate interview, national team coach, Philip 'Ras Bingi' Taylor, said he was optimistic that Ghana would qualify for the associate level after the ICC tournament. "There will be a lot of tough competitions, but with our good preparations we will sail through," he said.

The three teams are expected to leave Accra together for South Africa later this week.