MABVUKU High School put on a superb display on the opening day of the Dairibord Schools Rugby Festival after beating Bindura-based Chipindura High School 33-5 in the opening match at Prince Edward School yesterday. DANIEL NHAKANISO SPORTS REPORTER
The school, which is one of the recent beneficiaries of the Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU) development programme, showed tremendous progress as they ran in five tries in a well-polished performance.
Chipindura, who were by no means pushovers after defending well in the first half, got their consolation try late in the second half. Leading the onslaught for Mabvuku was centre Luke Tena who touched down two brilliantly converted tries after coming on as a substitute in the second half.
Full-back Shane Washayabuna had darted through the Chipindura defence to plant the opening try early in the first half as they went to the break leading 5-0.
However, Mabvuku were made to wait until late in the second half when impressive Tena changed the complexion of the game with some clever runs. Munyaradzi Chaurura also chipped in with another converted try for Mabvuku.
Zimbabwe international forward Fortune Chipendu, who has been coaching the team since the start of the year credited the team’s performance to the support they are receiving from various sponsors through ZRU’s development programmes.
Ironically Chipendu, who has represented both the national XVs and 7s rugby teams, did high school education at Mabvuku High School.
“It’s always a wonderful feeling when you are able to be of assistance to your former school. I’m really excited to see the youngsters doing well and look forward to see some youngsters from this team graduating to play in the National Rugby League or representing the country in the future.
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“However, I have to say all this would not have been possible without the support from corporate sponsors like Old Mutual.
“Their support through the Old Mutual Community Cup initiative in partnership with ZRU has helped to create the proper structures,” Chipendu said.
Meanwhile, in earlier matches Vainona girls’ team were impressive, thrashing George Stark 72-0 while Cranborne Boys beat Marlborough 25-0.
Oriel Boys’ High beat Lord Malvern High 19-7 while Marist Nyanga edged Herentals 7-5.
