adminPaul Munyuki Sports Reporter
NEWBOYS Old Johannians face their first real test in the Northern Rugby Super League when they take on wounded Old Georgians Sports Club at the Police Grounds this afternoon.
The Johannian Rams have only played two games this season and are one of the unbeaten sides, but their record will come under severe test this afternoon against former champions Old Georgians.
The Rams would like to extend their winning tally to three in a row, while the Dragons wouldn’t want to suffer another defeat following last weekends’ loss at the hands of leaders Harare Sports Club.
Coached by former Old Boys mentor Max Madziva, Johannians have posted wins over struggling Chitungwiza outfit Southern City 101-0 with 15 tries, two of them unconverted from the likes of Sables fullback and former Old Hararians backliner Daniel Robertson, Kundai Hatendi (former Harare Sports Club), and Mathew Tumbling formerly of Old Georgians.
Old Georgians’ 21-24 loss at the hands of Sports Club last weekend was their first defeat of the season and that is still fresh in their minds.
Undefeated log leaders Harare Sports Club are on the road today as they travel to Mutare.
Sports Club are expected to come out with a bonus point victory in the eastern border city and are the second side from Harare to visit Mutare Sports Club.
The hosts are placed fourth on the log standings following one win and one defeat and have collected five points, and despite losing to Old Hararians 42-22 they maintained a place above the Old Boys.
With most of the league games set to take place at the Police Grounds where the hosts Police Defenders take on the Old Boys in the main game of the day at 3.30pm, Old Boys caretaker coach Constantine Dinha knows the importance of this game.
“If we play loose we might lose it against Mutare so we have to keep the ball tight. We have to work hard because we have lost to two of our biggest rivals in this first half but I believe we have learnt our lessons.
“We are coming at the back of a win and we would like to keep it that way, we are largely expected to come through with a win tomorrow (today) and we want to make it a better win compared to last weeks.
“A bonus point win is all we want in this game because we have been scoring low and the only way to capitalise for us is by winaning with a bonus point,” said the former Sables lock.
Fixtures:
Police II v Black Rhinos (11.00am), Harare Sports Club II v Old Hararians II (12.30pm), Old Georgians v Old Johannians (2pm) Police v Old Hararians (4pm), Mutare Sports Club v Harare Sports Club (Mutare Sports Club 3pm), Southern City – bye.
*All games at Police Grounds unless stated.
Online Reporter