The Sunday Mail
Deputy Sports Editor
Old Georgians . . . . . . . .(22) 37
Pitbulls . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0) 14
DEFENDING champions Old Georgians got their defence of the Nedbank Rugby Challenge off to a flyer by easily dispatching newboys Pitbulls 37-14 at Harare Sports Club’s Machinery Exchange Stadium yesterday.
Mild showers in the afternoon threatened to dampen the opening day of the two-day tournament, which was recently turned into a festival to accommodate the Zimbabwe Goshawks’ upcoming Currie Cup First Division assignments.
However, for the multitude of fans, OGs made it count with some exquisite rugby. “It was a very tough game, especially given that this is our first time playing in the senior league,” said Pitbulls’ head coach Geoff Madhake.
“The boys were always going to be a bit jittery, and Old Georgians made their experience count.
“It is, however, important to remember that this is pre-season rugby, and I am hoping that we will get better as time goes.
“Still, there is plenty to pick up from the game, with the most important thing being that we need to add some size to the team.”
While the result will probably point to a one-sided affair, Madhake should take some comfort in his team’s defensive effort.
OGs were the first to make their presence felt, with Kuda Chiwanza, Gamuchirai Nekai, Neil Mawere and Garizani Chiku all touching down for the defending champions in the first half for a 22-0 lead.
The margin could have been bigger had it not been for the awful kicking of OGs flyhalf Nekati, who only managed one conversion in the game.
OGs continued to raid Pitbulls’ goal as Mike Bongwe, Malcolm Dirwai and Chiwanza scored three more tries.
Pitbulls did have their moments in the match, especially in the final 10 minutes, during which Prince Chinyandura and Chris Katira did get on the scoreboard.
Their fullback Tadiwanashe Kaduya successfully converted both tries.
In the end, it turned out to be a good day in the office for Old Georgians head coach Jacques Leitao.
“I think this was a good result considering that this is our first outing in a while, and we have a lot of new and young guys in the squad,” said Leitao.
“This was an opportunity for us to come together and work on our team chemistry.
“Going into tomorrow’s (today) games, I think we just need to tighten up things on the defensive end, and we should be alright,” he said.
In the other games, Mutare Sports Club beat Nedbank’s Developmental side 14-3, while Harare Sports Club thrashed Matabeleland Warriors 48-0.
