Winners have emerged in the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) organised Ebonyi secondary school cricket championship for the south senatorial zone in both male and female categories.
The championship organised in conjunction with the Ebonyi Cricket Association is being completed in the three senatorial zones of the state.
The Technical Officer of the south district series of the championship, Ebi Agha told newsmen that Government Secondary School (GSS) Afikpo won the male category while Sir Francis Ibiam Grammar school Afikpo, won the female category.
Agha said that GSS Afikpo defeated Amuro Mgbom secondary school Afikpo to clinch the first position.
"Both schools were the only male teams in the series which made GSS qualify to represent the district in the state finals' male category.
"Sir Francis Ibiam Grammar School Afikpo won the female category of the championship by defeating Holy Child secondary school and also Amuro Mgbom secondary school Afikpo.
"Ibiam defeated Holy Child with nine wickets and Amuro Mgbom with 13 runs to represent the zone in the state finals' female category,"
He commended the SWAN leadership in Ebonyi and that of the Ebonyi state cricket association. for their tenacity and commitment in discovering young cricketers from the grassroots.
"The series was challenging but participating teams and officials worked assidiously to ensure hitch--free contests,"
The South East Representative at the Nigeria Cricket Federation, Dr Chika Okoro in his message urged the teams to contest equitably in ensuring that the strongest emerge as champions.
"We always desire to discover hidden cricket--talents in secondary schools to replace those who gradutate to higher institutions.
"Our investments in cricket have brought unquantifiable glory to the state and south east zone and we iurge respective governments to contribute to its development,"
The State Chairman of SWAN, Andy Nwogha commended stakeholders who have supported in organisating the championship, assuring of its commitment towards sporting--talent discovery.
"We specially thank Gov. Francis Nwifuru for his sports revolutionalising policies in the state and Dr Chika Okoro for his Immeasurable contributions to the growth of cricket in the south east,"
The championship Local Organising Committe Chairman, Chukwuemeka Opara assured that efforts would be deployed to successfully host it across the state's three senatorial zones with a high-stake state final.
Goodwill messages were delivered at the series by the Ebonyi Cricket Association among others with winners expressing resolve to creditably represent the district at the state final.
Trinity Secondary School Abakaliki qualified to represent the north zone in both male and female categories as attention presently shifts to the central senatorial zone.
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