The Sunday News
Mehluli Sibanda in Middelburg, South Africa
Zimbabwe Under-18 ……………………………….. (5) 25
Namibia Under-18 ………………………………….. (19) 38
THE Old Mutual Zimbabwe Young Sables ended this year’s instalment of the Under-18 Coca-Cola Craven Week when they went down to Namibia in their third and final match of the tournament played at Middelburg High School in Middelburg, South Africa yesterday. It was a disappointing tour for the Godwin Murambiwa-coached side who earlier on in the week went down to Eastern Province Country Districts and Griquas Country Districts.
Words of encouragement from Zimbabwe Rugby Union president John Falkenberg who personally spoke to the boys before they squared off against Namibia seem to have not worked as the Young Sables, just like their seniors could not find ways of conquering Namibia.
Six tries, four of them converted for Namibia condemned Zimbabwe who managed four tries, one conversion and one penalty goal to their third straight loss at the Craven Week.
It was Namibia who took the lead with five minutes played, second centre Divan Rossouw delivering the five points, flyhalf Pieter Steenkamp with the two extra two points with a successful conversion kick.
Namibia had their second try with 13 minutes played, loosehead prop Hans Breedt powering his way over the line on the right side of the Zimbabwean defence.
Zimbabwe did try to find their way back into the match but each time they had the momentum, they lost the ball forward.
First centre Matthew Ushewokunze scored the firsts try for Zimbabwe, going over the line after a lovely chip from wing Tarisai Mapfumo. Flyfhalf Campbell Nyakudya missed the conversion kick.
Namibia had their third try two minutes before the break, Breedt going through to score under the posts with Steenkamp adding the two extra points with a good conversion kick.
Just a minute into the second half, loose forward Brian Muntanga went over on the corner for Zimbabwe’s second try which was converted by Nyakudya.
It was not long before Namibia had their fourth try, a brilliant backline move saw second centre Divan Rossouw scoring his second try but the conversion was missed by fullback Stian Vander Merwe.
Number eight Daniel Nyamugama scored the third Zimbabwean try, Nyakudya’s kicking letting him down once more as his conversion kick did not go in between the posts.
Flank Camaron McNab forced his way through to land Namibia’s fifth set of five points with Steenkamp booting through the conversion kick.
Loosehead prop Justin Mendelsohn landed the fourth try for the Young Sables with a brilliant run on the right wing to score but Nyakudya missed the conversion kick.
Fullback Shaun Snyder brought Zimbabwe within six points of Namibia with a penalty goal in front of posts after Ushewokunze was high tackled.
Namibia killed the game as a contest with two minutes to go, Breedt powering his way over from a quick tap penalty.
This year’s Under-18 Coca-Cola Craven Week which kicked off last Monday ended yesterday with the main match pitting Eastern Province and South Western Districts at the main venue High Technical School Middelburg. With all the teams in action, some of the matches were played at the neighbouring Middelburg High School.
Meanwhile, the Young Sables return home this evening after a disheartening tour of South Africa.
Old Mutual Zimbabwe Young Sables who played Namibia are Justin Mendelsohn, Lebogang Ngwenya, Stephen Bhasera(captain), Eli Snyman(vice-captain), Tinashe Gonese, Brian Muntanga, Cole Bond, Daniel Nyamugama, Ngoni Zinyama, Campbell Nyakudya, Tarisai Mapfumo, Matthew Ushewokunze (vice-captain), Tapiwa Mazorodze, Tawanda Ngosi and Shaun Snyder
Replacements: Bradley Crause, Ackim Sibanda, Jeffrey Makoni, Dean McRoberts, Mangenje, Brian Mhuriyengwe
