HARARE Sports Club (HSC) captain Shingi Mpofu said his side’s hard-fought triumph over city rivals Old Georgians (OGs) has provided the perfect springboard to their Northern Region Super League title aspirations.
BY KENNEDY NYAVAYA
Sportivo, as HSC are affectionately known, moved three points clear of second-placed OGs after an explosive 24-21 win in a tightly contested game of rugby on Saturday.
“It feels good to be on top, but we know there is still a lot of work to be done because it all comes down to the knockout stages,” Mpofu said after the match.
“I think our chances of taking the league are high. We just need to remain consistent and focused in our training efforts.”
A double from Taddy Whata in addition to Takudzwa Francisco’s early cross-overs were enough to seal the win for Sportivo against a vicious OGs side that was determined to win the away game.
The victory extended HSC’s unbeaten streak to four matches with 19 points, three ahead of second-placed OGs, who claimed a point from the match for finishing within five points of the winners.
Much credit for the win should go to the HSC forwards who gave OGs a hard time by gaining ample ground whenever they were attacking while displaying top-notch scrummaging during set piece play which proved too much for the Dragons.
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Old Georgians were, however, not willing to present the points to their opponents on a silver platter with their fly-half Boyd Rouse’s kicks almost leaving the home team counting its losses had he not missed the last two drop kicks.
Speaking to NewsDay after the game, Old Georgians coach Vakai Hove said despite losing the game his side still had what it takes to turn the tables in the return fixture.
“We are trying to promote a brand of rugby that has competitive play and style. It’s sad that we lost today after such a polished performance, but well done to our opponents for executing their play so well today,” he said.
“With a squad system like the one we have and the determination from the players, we are surely going to turn the tables when they come to our house.”
