Online Reporter
Tinashe Kusema
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE 2025 Grid Cup produced a final that lived up to its billing as Sun Rays held off a spirited Impis side to clinch the title in a gripping 38–34 contest at Harare Sports Club.
Junior Sables graduate Benjamin Pattendon and Taddy “Boxer” Dzandiwandira turned the match on its head with big moments in open play and off the boot, driving Sun Rays to a win that kept their unbeaten record intact.
They crossed the line through Boxer, skipper Dion Khumalo, winger Takudzwa Francisco, Andrew Rinomhota and Pattendon.
Dzandiwandira added a drop goal, while Pattendon slotted two conversions and a penalty.
Impis stayed in the fight with tries from Takudzwa Zvomuya, flyhalf Tatenda Kamubvumbi, fullback Benoni Nhekairo, Liberty Sibanda and Takudzwa Kamucheta.
Nhekairo added three conversions and a penalty.
Both teams left points on the park as Pattendon, Dzandiwandira and Nhekairo all missed chances that looked routine on another day.
Pattendon missed two conversions, Boxer missed one, while Nhekairo failed to land two kicks that might have reshaped the finish.
Sun Rays still found enough control to protect a four point lead and walk away with the cup and an unbeaten campaign.
Impis head coach Bob Mahari admitted they were second best.
“Sunrays have been the top side throughout the tournament, winning all their four games, and today I think you saw why,” said Mahari.
“They know how to win the big games and we just came short. I think we played hard, maybe not smart, but we played hard.
“We can’t fall to the heart, but the execution was not up to scratch as we gave away a lot of bonus tries.”
He added:
“We wanted to play rugby in their half, but they executed playing in ours better. Benji and Boxer literally bossed us around the park.
“They kicked well, whether it was into space or into the contestables.”
