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Old Georgians Dragons . . . . (10) 19
Harare Sports Club Lions . . . . (7) 20
Stephen ‘‘Stavo’’ Hunduza’s 78th-minute try was the defining moment in this tense National Rugby League derby played at OG’s.
The nail-biting win keeps Sportivo at the top of the NRL with 15 points.
Both teams were evenly matched in the forwards with Harare Sports Club boasting a competent pack featuring Osborne Muhambi, who was with defending champions Old Hararians last season.
Momentum swung with Teddy ‘‘Boxer’’ Hwata opening the scoring for Sportivo with a penalty, but the Dragons came back fighting with a blistering try and conversion courtesy of Farai Jijita.
On-field referee Simba Dangah’s calls left a lot to be desired as he made numerous errors on the field such as giving advantage on knock-ons or calling players for holding onto the ball on a collapsed maul.
He contributed significantly to the rise in tensions. Dragons lock Rees Surtees got sin-binned for punching Kudakwashe Chisepo.
Sportivo restored their lead courtesy of excellent support play from the back-line. Muhambi, at eight man, picked up the ball from a scrum to set a series of hits that ended with a try from Eurry Maphosa.
Dragons veteran forward Jacque Leitao put them ahead with a try and conversion early in the second half.
Hwata could have reduced the four-point lead but he missed two penalties.
Sportivo continued to pounce on the Dragons in open play spreading the ball to their speedster Hunduza as well as contesting impressively on the fringes. The approach paid dividends as it reduced the brutal force of the Dragons massive and mobile pack.
A moment of brilliance from the Dragon’s backline saw full-back Sean Coles score a try which Ryan Sprake failed to convert.
The lead was short lived as the tenacious pint-sized Hunduza scored a 78th-minute try. Hwata converted.
Sportivo coach Nsikelelo Sibanda reckons his boys won the match because they were hungrier.
“We had the game in the first half, but were not finishing as we lacked composure. It’s hard to tell what set us apart, but the major difference went down to who wanted it more,” he said.
Other NRL results
Mutare Sports Club 18 – 15 Old Miltonians
Old Hararians 84 – 3 Zvishavane Bulls
Western Panthers 50 – 39 Gweru Sports Club.
Online Reporter