Old Hararians beat Harare Sports Club 25-20 during Saturday night rugby action. These long-time rivals played the last game of the Nedbank Rugby Challenge. Both teams fought hard under the stadium lights. People expected a great match because defending champions Harare Sports Club faced tournament favorites Old Hararians. The fans saw exactly what they hoped for - exciting rugby from start to finish.
Rugby fans call Harare Sports Club by the nickname Sportivo. The derby between these city teams stays intense every time they meet. Old Hararians looked stronger, with many star players. They earned their victory through determined play during all eighty minutes. Hundreds of loyal supporters watched at the Machinery Exchange grounds despite cold weather. The temperature fell below fourteen degrees, but nobody seemed bothered by the chill.
Sportivo scored first with excellent tries from Tadiwa Gwashu and Nyasha Shiripanda. Former national player Lenience Tarembwa added points with a drop goal, penalty kick, and conversion. Tadius Dzandiwandira helped by kicking another conversion for the team. Old Hararians came back strong, led by national captain Hilton Mudariki, who scored himself. Teammates Aiden Burnett, Munyaradzi Gwandu, and Tinotenda Savanhu also crossed the line for tries.
Savanhu played especially well by scoring points and then converting his try, plus adding a penalty. Coach Tichafara Makwanya thanked God after the game. He admitted his team started shakily but praised their determination. The players stuck to their plan throughout the match. Makwanya believed hunger for victory made the difference against a talented Sportivo squad. Old Hararians won the championship trophy plus prize money worth $2,000.
Harare Sports Club received $1,000 as runners-up. The Zimbabwe Junior Sables team placed third and earned $750. Makwanya won Coach of the Tournament honors with a $100 reward. Brian Nyaude played brilliantly all tournament, and officials named him Player of the Tournament with his $100 prize. Junior Sables coach Shaun De Souza announced his team selection after the final match. The continental under-20 tournament happens April 17-27 right here at home.
Rugby fans call Harare Sports Club by the nickname Sportivo. The derby between these city teams stays intense every time they meet. Old Hararians looked stronger, with many star players. They earned their victory through determined play during all eighty minutes. Hundreds of loyal supporters watched at the Machinery Exchange grounds despite cold weather. The temperature fell below fourteen degrees, but nobody seemed bothered by the chill.
Sportivo scored first with excellent tries from Tadiwa Gwashu and Nyasha Shiripanda. Former national player Lenience Tarembwa added points with a drop goal, penalty kick, and conversion. Tadius Dzandiwandira helped by kicking another conversion for the team. Old Hararians came back strong, led by national captain Hilton Mudariki, who scored himself. Teammates Aiden Burnett, Munyaradzi Gwandu, and Tinotenda Savanhu also crossed the line for tries.
Savanhu played especially well by scoring points and then converting his try, plus adding a penalty. Coach Tichafara Makwanya thanked God after the game. He admitted his team started shakily but praised their determination. The players stuck to their plan throughout the match. Makwanya believed hunger for victory made the difference against a talented Sportivo squad. Old Hararians won the championship trophy plus prize money worth $2,000.
Harare Sports Club received $1,000 as runners-up. The Zimbabwe Junior Sables team placed third and earned $750. Makwanya won Coach of the Tournament honors with a $100 reward. Brian Nyaude played brilliantly all tournament, and officials named him Player of the Tournament with his $100 prize. Junior Sables coach Shaun De Souza announced his team selection after the final match. The continental under-20 tournament happens April 17-27 right here at home.
