Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE marked their return to sevens rugby action with a resounding 33-17 win over Apache as the Kenya Safari Sevens tournament kicked off at the Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi yesterday.
With the competition stretched over the next three days and over 20 teams participating in three separate categories, Zimbabwe may have made a huge statement with their convincing win.
Their triumph would have been warning shots to their next opponents in the main draw that also includes Uganda and hosts Kenya.
A brace from winger Edward Sigauke and a try from vice-captain Vuyani Dhlomo saw Zimbabwe race to a 19-7 first-half lead.
Ryan Musumhi added two conversions during that Cheetahs first-half blitz.
Apache did hit back in the second half with two unconverted tries but replacement winger Trevor Gurwe stretched Zimbabwe’s lead scoring a brace of his own to give the Cheetahs the ideal start to the tournament.
Zimbabwe are in pool C, alongside the Kenya Morans, Apache and Reunion.
However, they will be keeping a close eye on the other two groups as hosts, the Kenya Shujaa and Uganda, lie in wait for them in the knock-out phase.
The hosts’ main team have been placed in pool A alongside the French Renegades, a UK select side and Walukuba Rugby while Shotgun, Uganda, Nyati and KCB Rugby complete the men’s main draw in Pool B.
Zimbabwe return to action this morning when they wrap up their group stage draw with a match against the Reunion before later facing the Kenya Morans.
