The Mad Dogs of Falcon College Saturday (9 May) ran riot against the Prince Edward Tigers in Esigodini, posting a 43-19 victory over their visitors.
While the final score may seem to rubbish SSN’s pre-match claims of this match being the biggest clash of the season, it was indeed a great rugby match to watch. It proved to be an encounter that started with no outright favorites and could have easily gone either way.
Midway through the first half, Prince Edward Captain, Ndoro, had to be helped off the field after sustaining an ankle injury and never came back to action. The loss of their skipper was the turning point for the Tigers. With Ndoro off the field, the Tigers lacked leadership and some poor decisions were made which ultimately cost them the match.
Scores stood at 22-07 in favor of the hosts as the teams regrouped for the halftime break.
Ndoro continued to lead his team from the bench, going in to huddle and chat with them after every Falcon try, but he could only do so much from the sidelines. At one point in the second half, Prince Edward were trailing 29-14 and a try would have changed the face of the game. However, two knocks in the try-box only made it worse for the Tigers.
While it is easy to pick on referees when a team plays an away fixture, the truth is Falcon outplayed Prince Edward Saturday. The Mad Dogs nailed conversions from as far out as the touchline a couple of times while the Tigers missed in front of the posts and knocked-on in the try box.
The rugby season is still young, but it was clear from Saturday’s level of play that these two teams are two of the best in Zimbabwe this year. Prince Edward will regroup and make the best of their remaining fixtures, while Falcon will hope to keep their dream of an unbeaten season alive.
In other fixtures played around Zimbabwe this weekend, St John’s and Peterhouse played out to a 7 all draw in Marondera. After suffering a winless Dairibord campaign, Churchill survived embarrassment, registering a 27-17 win over Kyle College at Nigel Phillip in Harare. Eaglesvale won 41-17 against Petra in Bulawayo. Midlands Christian College outplayed Gateway 71-00 while Watershed won 27-10 against Vainona.
St George’s College were not “good hosts” Saturday as they kept their line unbreached against visitors Christian Brothers College. A consolation three points off a penalty is all that CBC salvaged in their 83-3 loss to St George’s on Weaver in Harare. Match fitness was CBC’s biggest enemy as they were opening their season, having missed out on Dairibord action.
Hillcrest were 64-24 victors over Heritage, while their neighbors Mutare Boys won 38-3 against Marondera High. Lomagundi saw off a Hellenic threat, winning 36-17 at home. Ellis Robins won 23-15 Marlborough.
You can read the live text commentary for the Prince Edward and Falcon match using the link below:
goo.gl/OqYEbA