Zimpapers Logo

Matabeleland Duikers

Mehluli Sibanda, Senior Sports Reporter
MATABELELAND Duikers won the Owen Davies inter-provincial Under-13 rugby tournament for the first time in over a decade with a 17-14 victory over Harare North in the final played at Hillcrest Preparatory School in Mutare on Saturday.

The match was deadlocked 14-14 after fulltime and headed into sudden death in which the first team to score would win the tournament.

Skipper and flyhalf Harry Streak, son to senior national cricket team coach Heath, booted in a drop goal to win it for Matabeleland.

On their way to lifting the trophy, the Duikers beat Harare South 26-5, defeated Easterns 19-12 and saw off Barbarians 24-5 in the group stages.

In the semi-finals, the Jacques Nel coached lads were too good for Mashonaland West, dismissing them 17-7 before taking care of Harare North in the final.

“We are very happy, the boys showed a lot of guts; it’s a great honour to have had the opportunity to coach this team and for the boys to produce this kind of display.

“It was a team effort that pulled us through, regardless of who scored the tries, it was unbelievable,” Nel said.

Saturday’s win was a massive turnaround for the Duikers, who put up a dismal show in last year’s tournament in Harare where they finished second from last.

Zimbabwe born former Springbok Tonderai Chavhanga was the guest of honour at the tournament and presented the prizes. — @Mdawini_29