Mat Warriors lose to Red Arrows

Mehluli Sibanda, Senior Sports Reporter
Matabeleland Warriors (Zimbabwe)………. …..(0) 5
Red Arrows (Zambia)…………………………..(7) 17

VISITING Zambian rugby champions Red Arrows got their tour of Zimbabwe off to a winning start when they defeated one of the top clubs in the country, Matabeleland Warriors in an international friendly match played at Hartsfield Rugby Ground yesterday.

Red Arrows, who displayed a hard running game, got their points courtesy of one penalty try and two unconverted tries while the Warriors crossed the whitewash once. In a hard fought first half, the 2015 and 2016 Zambian league winners were awarded a penalty try by referee Simbarashe Dangah when the Warriors forwards disengaged and popped up in a scrum because of pressure exerted by the visitors pack.

The Zambians continued with their dominance in the second half with second centre David Chimbukulu scoring the second try after a lovely exchange of passes. Loose forward Nelson Madida scored the only points for Warriors when he powered his way over the line.

Red Arrows, who have former Zimbabwe international rugby player, Willis Magasa as a consultant had the last say in the match with a try scored by front rower Kafula Chishimba.

Red arrows head off to Harare today where they will clash with the Harare Sports Under-21 as well as Police Defenders during the week. The biggest fixture for the Zambians is on Saturday when they play against Harare Sports Club.

Warriors coach Ruben Kumpasa thought they made a few blunders which cost them the game in the form of missed tackles and is convinced they can only get better as they prepare for the anticipated return of the Inter City League next month.

@Mdawini_29