Youngster Edward Sigauke scored a hat-trick as Zimbabwe Sables claimed a commanding 62-22 win over the UAE in a test match held at the Sevens Stadium.
The match began with UAE suffering two yellow cards within the first 15 minutes. Ian Prior opened the scoring for Zimbabwe with a penalty in the first minute, giving them an early lead.
Zimbabwe earn penalty try
In the 14th minute, Zimbabwe was awarded a penalty try after UAE’s lock was sent to the sin-bin.
Zimbabwe Sables celebrate winning 2024 Rugby Africa.. PHOTO/Rugby Afrique
Flanker Godfrey Muzanargwo powered through his marker to score a converted try, extending Zimbabwe’s lead to 17-0.
Sigauke’s clever footwork created an opportunity for captain Hilton Mudariki, who scored in his 49th test appearance. Prior’s conversion brought the score to 24-0.
UAE managed a penalty kick to make it 24-3 before Sigauke struck again, beating his marker on the left side to score and extend the lead to 29-3.
Just before halftime, winger Trevor Gurwe found Mudariki with an inside pass for his second try, converted by Prior, sending Zimbabwe into the break with a 36-3 lead.
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Zimbabwe conceded a yellow card early as UAE started strongly. UAE fought back early in the second half, with Epeli Davetawalu scoring off a ruck.
Zimbabwe responded with another attack, although Mudariki’s try was ruled out and Sigauke knocked on from a clear-cut chance. UAE narrowed the gap with a try from Stephen Ferguson, converted by Connor Kennedy to make it 36-15.
Zimbabwe then unleashed four consecutive tries to cement their lead. Gurwe raced clear to score Zimbabwe’s first try of the second half after latching on a loose ball. Almost immediately, Sigauke intercepted a pass to score against the run of play.
Sigauke completed his hat-trick shortly afterwards, driving Zimbabwe’s score into the 50s after a break on the left wing.
Zimbabwe Sables Team Photo ahead of Netherlands match. PHOTO/The Sables -Facebook.
Fullback Tadius Hwata then sidestepped through the defence, offloading to Brandon Mudzekenyedzi for another try, which was converted to make it 62-15.
In the closing minutes, UAE managed a penalty try as Zimbabwe was reduced to 14 men, bringing the final score to 62-22.
Despite UAE’s late efforts, Zimbabwe’s lead was insurmountable, sealing a decisive victory.
