Sporting Saturday

The best part of the Test Match between England and Zimbabwe was for me the former Zimbabwean cricketer Henry Olongo singing the (Les Miserables) song Take Me Home. Frankly, whilst Zimbabwe played with spirit they were outclassed.

Henry and Andy Flower voiced publicly their criticism of the Mugabe regime some 20 years ago and left the country.

Henry now lives in Australia.

Most interviews with sportsmen reveal little, but this one revealed a deeply-principled man with a second career as a vocalist. The game was over on the second day but the singing and nobility of Henry will live long in the memory.

Next up was the Play-Off final between Sheffield United and Sunderland.

There is usually too much at stake to make this an entertaining game. Beforehand Pargie had called as he was backing against Sheffield United. It looked a foolish bet as Sheffield United dominated the first half but, somewhat undeservedly, Sunderland scored twice in the second half and thus were promoted.

As all three promoted clubs were relegated this season, it may not be the “Promised Land”, though the Sunderland owners will relish the revenue generated.