Big mathces bring curtain comes down on Cottco rugby schools festival

in the Under-16 edition that Mbare Academy have stolen the limelight for the right reasons having beaten fancied St George’s College and Falcon College.
And today they take on hosts Prince Edward in another potentially explosive match at the Chapel Field at 12 mid-day.
In matches played yesterday, Vainona put their campaign back on track after registering wins in all their matches. Kudakwashe Mandongwe, Takudzwa  Fransico, Solomon  Damelekani Tatenda, Ocean Mutero, Hillary Sumaira, Allan Isaac and Tatenda Ngomasha all contributed to the teams’ victory.
Fullback Mandongwe who is the youngest member of the team, said he was happy they were unbeaten in all their three matches.
“I am very happy that after getting all the criticism that we were not going to win this year since we are small in size, we have proved them wrong that rugby is not just about the size but it all depends on how you handle the game.
“We are not big in size but we have managed to win all our games.” said Mandongwe.
Vainona thumped Chinhoyi 70-0 before beating St Ignatius 17-0. Vainona coach, Nsikelelo Sibanda, believes that his team has improved a lot this year.
“The boys played well, they have really improved. They have grasped what I taught them but just need a little polishing up.
“I am proud with the way they performance.” Sibanda said.
Meanwhile, Thulani Nteta of Sharks Academy of South Africa, is in the country on a scouting mission at Cottco Schools Rugby festival.
Sharks Academy is well known for helping talented rugby players coming from schools into world class professionals.
“We want to invite the players to our Academy in either applying or by getting picked because we believe world class players are not only found in one country but in a lot of countries. We have started with Zimbabwe and will also scout from our neighbouring countries like Botswana and Namibia,” said Nteta.
Results
St Johns’ (Chikwaka) 5, Craneborne 39; Allan Wilson 12, Chinhoyi 12; SEC 8, Ellis Robins 23; Mutare 10, St Ignatius 0.
Girls
George Stark 3, Roosevelt 0; Girls High 5, Eaglesvale 0.