HARARE Sports Club were made to work hard as they booked their place for Northern region Super League final with a hard-fought 26-17 victory over rivals Old Hararians at the Harare Sports Club yesterday.
Harare Sports Club (7) 26 Old Hararians……… (5) 17
DANIEL NHAKANISO
Sportivo, as Harare Sports Club are affectionately known, scored a converted try through centre McLean Muhambi in the first half before adding two more in the second half through centre Osborne Muhambi and replacement flyhalf Taddy Whata.
Lenience Tambwera, who started at flyhalf, also had a brilliant game as he slotted home two penalties and a conversion in difficult windy conditions before Whata, who came in as a substitute, took the game beyond the visitors reach with a late penalty of his own. Old Hararians, who got off to a slow start before threatening to turn the tables on the home side in the second-half, managed a lone try before the breakthrough loose forward Tawanda Chowe before centre Morgan Vangue and flank Tendai Dzongodza.
While the Harare Sports Club’s exciting backs generally enjoyed most of the shine, it was their forwards that not only put in most of the hard graft, but also ensured them ascension in the first 40 minutes.
Much of the credit — as it has been throughout the season — should also go to veteran Danny Hondo, who also had a brilliant game as he helped set-up the home side’s second try.
Having been unlucky not to convert their chances for most of the first-half, Old Hararians were more clinical after the break as the introduction of Sables center Cleopas Makotose and scrummy Charles Jiji seemed to breathe some life into their backline.
