Dobropolous rugby tourney ends on high note

By Branton Matondo

The recently held Dobropolous sponsored memorial rugby tournament ticked all boxes with Mutare giants Mutare Sports Club registering a resounding finale win against derby side Spartans.
The much-anticipated tourney encompassed Rockstars, Mutare Sports Club, Spartans, Rusape Wolves, Bateluers and Eastern Giants.
Build up matches saw Rockstars winning 47 – 10 against Bateluers from Chikanga.
Eastern Giants ladies popularly known as the “ghetto girls” rose to the occasion in most parts of their games though they lost in their opening encounter 14 – 17.
Another captivating curtain raiser saw Rockstar under 20 side beat Spartans in what called a tight contest.
The final, which kick started at 4:18 saw home favorites Mutare Sports Club register 3 tries in the first 3 quarters of the game.
Spartans elevated vibes of resistance in the second half but MSC was too tough.
While talking to NewsDigest Sport on the sidelines of the inaugural tournament sponsor Peter Dobropoulos, who is a also a former player of the high impact sport said the Dobropoulos tourney is a start of many, an initiative that will see Mutare go strength to strength with other powerhouse cities.
“We are here to witness a memorial Dobropolous cup. Our family has been involved in rugby in Mutare for many years. I was a former player. I think it’s very crucial that we support young talent through such tournaments because that’s the future,” he said.
MSC head coach A. Makumbe was convinced with his charges who started on the low end though they gained momentum as the finale progressed.
“It was entertaining, the guys played well. The first half was not really convincing but as time went on they got the structure and picked up their pace,” he said
MSC bagged USD 100 for the top honors while Spartans received a silver bow.
MSC flanker /lock Nyasha Chikadza got the MVP award after a stellar showcase of grit and momentum.
His comments bore testimony of his sheer excitiment.
“We started a bit slow but as MSC we soldiered on. L also managed to score some tries which was a good thing for the team. I would like to thank the organizers for honoring me with most valuable player award,” he said.
MSC Saturday celebration come days after they were invited in Zambia for the Independence cup which saw them display an average perfomance.