Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE rugby pitches at Christian Brothers College (CBC) came alive on Saturday as school teams from across Matabeleland locked horns in a thrilling round of trials, a day that not only showcased raw talent but also signalled a promising future for the sport in the region.
Dave Kirkman, headmaster of Falcon College and the head of rugby in Matabeleland, was very impressed by the level of competition, praising the event as a crucial step forward for rugby development.
“It was good seeing competitive matches taking place between CBC and Falcon as well as between Plumtree and Milton,” said Kirkman.
The day’s headline act was a gripping clash between hosts CBC and Falcon, with the latter clinching a hard fought 10-0 victory in a tightly contested encounter. Earlier, spectators were treated to an explosive match as Plumtree stormed past Milton with an emphatic 40-19 win, a performance that turned heads.
“The day was run very well by CBC, we have to thank them for their efforts. It was well organised. The games ran smoothly and there were some good performances. I really enjoyed the Plumtree versus Milton game; it was very competitive,” Kirkman noted. “Plumtree showed a lot of spirit in that game. It’s encouraging to see these close contests. The Falcon versus CBC game was a solid showing from both sides. This level of competitiveness bodes well for Matabeleland rugby. The stronger the intra-provincial competition, the stronger the province becomes.”
Kirkman emphasised the need to uplift all rugby playing schools in the region to foster a more balanced and robust rugby ecosystem.
“I’m hoping we can reach a point where schools like Plumtree, Gifford, Hamilton, and Milton start closing the gap. They need all the support they can get to strengthen their rugby programmes. That’s where we need to direct our focus if we’re serious about building Matabeleland into a rugby powerhouse.”
Reflecting on the broader picture, Kirkman stressed the importance of long-term investment in school and grassroots rugby.
“Judging from today and last year, I’d say it’s still fairly evenly matched, but a lot of work lies ahead. Grassroots and school-level development need to be taken more seriously. Hopefully, the Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU) can come in and provide the necessary support to help us grow from the ground,” he added.
