The Sable Lager Grid Cup kicked off in style at Harare Sports Club with a thrilling doubleheader that gave fans a glimpse of what could be the dawn of franchise rugby in Zimbabwe.
The opening match between the Ngunis and Valley Blades turned into a try fest, with both sides crossing the whitewash eight times each. In the end, the Ngunis won 52–50 at the death.
It was a true forwards versus backs battle.
The Ngunis’ pack asserted dominance early, led by their powerful skipper and eighthman Aidan Burnett and industrious flanker Tadiwanashe Gwashu, who punched holes in the Blades’ defense all afternoon.
Brian Nyaude was outstanding in the lineouts, claiming almost every ball on their own throw.
The Ngunis’ rolling maul was unstoppable, repeatedly gaining territory and forcing penalties from a struggling Blades pack.
The Valley Blades, however, were dangerous whenever their backs got going.
Their experienced halfback pairing of Hilton Mudariki and Lenience Tambwera directed play with composure, unleashing pacey runners like Trevor Guruwe at center and Brendon Mudzwiti at fullback.
It was an entertaining clash that gave fans full value for money, though both coaches will no doubt have concerns about their sides’ defensive lapses, with too many soft tries conceded.
In the second game, the Sun Rays ran away 39–17 winners over Impi, whose depleted side was missing their inspirational captain Kudzai “The Enforcer” Mashawi, known for his hard running and aggressive style of play.
Despite missing key players, the Impi forwards held their own, going pound for pound with the Sun Rays pack and dominating at scrum time.
They won several penalties on opposition feed and trailed only 8–0 at halftime thanks to a strong defensive effort led by stand in skipper Vuyani Dhlomo.
But once the Sun Rays backs found their rhythm, there was no stopping them.
Sables utility back Dion Khumalo and Tamuka Pamire combined well in midfield, setting up quick ball for the electrifying Tavonga Ablant, the comeback kid who showed blistering pace to score a hat-trick of tries.
Week 2 of the Sable Lager Grid Cup promises more excitement as Zimbabwe’s top players continue to showcase the potential of franchise-style rugby.
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