Old Hararians . . . (9) 29 Old Georgians . . . (24) 27 OLD Hararians (OH) reclaimed their place in the sun after ending eight years of disappointment with an impressive second half display to win the Lion Lager National Rugby League title with a 29-27 win over rivals Old Georgians (OG) at their home turf yesterday.
BY DANIEL NHAKANISO
The former glamour club of Zimbabwean rugby, who last won the title in 2005, overturned a 24-9 halftime deficit courtesy of converted second tries by Takudzwa Chieza and Gardner Nechironga and two second-half penalties by Tichafara Makwanya. Old Georgians looked on course to seal their third title in four years after a dominant first half display with two tries from wing Kuda Chiwanza, one by Tatas Mutataguta and a converted try by hooker Keith Murray. Boyd Rous weighed in with a conversion and a late penalty.
The Groombridge-based outfit could have led by an even wider margin had their flyhalf Rous been sure footed in front of the posts as their forwards thoroughly bullied the home side’s pack.
OH on the other hand barely kept themselves in the game courtesy of three converted penalties by Makwanya whose defensive kick late in the first half was charged down by Chiwanza for OGs’ second try just before halftime.
Makwanya, OH captain, who is the league’s highest points scorer, however made amends for his blunder in the first half with a mature display in the second stanza.
The Sables flyhalf rebounded after half time with an exemplary display helping to set up the two second half tries while also chipping in with the boot.
