adminRaymond Jaravaza Sports Correspondent
WESTERN Panthers were crowned Independence Cup champions after dismissing Matabeleland Warriors 12- 5 in the final of a five-team tournament staged at Hartsfield Rugby Ground on Saturday. Six teams were initially billed to take part in the hastily arranged Uhuru Cup, but a select side from Gweru failed to make the Bulawayo trip.
The action kicked off in the morning in a round robin format that saw all the five teams battling it out for a spot in the final. In the end, it was left to Bulawayo-based rivals Western Panthers and Matabeleland Warriors to decide the overall winners in a tightly contested and low-scoring final.
Both teams appeared cautious from the beginning probably due to fatigue, as the players had all been involved in action from 11AM.
Matabeleland Rugby Football Board (MRFB) chairman Theo Weale said they were working hard to ensure a rugby filled calendar for the rest of the season.
“We appreciate the level of competitiveness that was exhibited by all the teams today (Saturday) and we would like the Independence Cup to be an annual feature on our calendar,” said Weale.
“The Independence Cup didn’t offer prize money because of lack of sponsorship, but the game of rugby was the winner at the end of the day as players showed commitment and passion for the game. We’re working hard to revive the game in the region and have clubs playing every week. We want to retain Hartsfield to its yesteryear status as the home of rugby in the southern region of the country,” Weale said.
James Hlatshwayo of the Police Bulldogs was voted the best defensive player of the tournament, while Kwekwe Sports Club were honoured for their commitment and presented a trophy.
Immanuel Zangari of Panthers was voted player of the tournament.
Meanwhile, the Southern Region League consisting of four Bulawayo-based teams together with the Midlands State University (MSU) from Gweru and Masvingo-based Ancient City Rugby Club will resume this weekend at Hartsfield.
The league kicked off a fortnight ago, but two fixtures featuring the MSU and Ancient City Rugby Club were not fulfilled. MSU were involved in the Zimbabwe University Sports Association (Zusa) games, while Ancient City Rugby Club arrived in Bulawayo late for their fixture against the Western Panthers.
Fixtures
Midlands State University v Police Bulldogs
Ancient City Rugby Club v 0ld Miltonians
Matabeleland Warriors v Western Panthers
Online Reporter