Sundaymail EditorSports Reporter
Kenya……………………….(17) 36
Zimbabwe………………….(7) 14
Zimbabwe ended their Victoria Cup participation on a whimper, with the Sables going down 36-14 at the Nakuru Athletic Grounds in Nairobi, Kenya yesterday.
With nothing to play for, except pride as both teams had already secured the top two spots in the competition, Kenya and Zimbabwe looked to continue from where they left last month in the earlier fixture.
And that they did.
Much like their visitors, Kenya fully utilised their home advantage and avenged their 30-29 loss at the hands of Zimbabwe at Hartsfield last month, and did so with both aplomb and some flair. From the very minute, winger Vincent Onyala planted the homeside’s first try, the East Africans never looked back.
The try was duly converted by Anthony Odhiambo, after which the fullback chipped in with a penalty and another conversion off Timothy Okwemba’s try to give his side a 17-7 halftime lead. For Zimbabwe, the only meaningful contribution of the said half came from a Ngoni Chibuwe try, which was converted by Dudlee White Sharpley.
Sadly, the visitors’ fortunes did not change much as Kenya added more tries from Tony Omondi, Charles Kuka and Malcolm Onsongo.
Omondi, who had taken over the kicking duties, added two conversions to his try.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe could only cross the line once, with Matthew Mandioma making the try which was converted by Sharpley.
After the match, Sables assistant coach Tonderai Chavhanga expressed disappointment at the result, but said he remains proud of the teams and the run in the tournament.
“Losing our last game was not the way we wanted to finish the competition and it certain is a bitter sweet end to the tournament.
“I think our boys left everything on the field today, and as a management team we are very proud of the team’s efforts.
“Kenya was under tremendous pressure when we stuck to our patterns and were more clinical. It was always going to be tough playing Kenya in Kenya,” he said
Lifting the Victoria Cup, seems to have injected some confidence in the team and management. “I believe based on the group of players, we have worked with from the SuperSport Challenge to the Victoria Cup; if we get sufficient time to prepare, not only would we qualify for the World, but we would have a competitive team,” went on the former Springboks winger. “We also have a number of players that are playing very top level rugby all over the world, most of whom have expressed that they would like to represent their country, so we can do it,” he said .
The team is now expected to return home; having been away for back-to-back clashes with Zambia and now Kenya.
Online Reporter