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Zimbabwe dominate at Castle Sevens

Monday 15 June 2009

Zimbabwe dominated the Castle Sevens this weekend with wins for both the senior and second teams. The senior side known as the Cheetahs successfully defended their title in the cup competition and the second team, the Goshawks won the bowl final.

The cheetahs humbled the four times champions Mpumalanga, from South Africa in a one side 33-0 final. This victory saw the Cheetahs become the first side in history to win three successive Castle Sevens titles.

The Goshwaks — who overpowered countrymen Harare Sports Club in the semi-final — came from behind to snatch an important 7-5 win over Zambia Defence Forces.

Despite being held by South Africa’s Natal Sharks Academy in their opening game, the Cheetahs determination saw them improve game on game resulting with them not losing a game over the whole weekend.

The Cheetahs were also using this tournament to prepare for the much tougher Tusker Safari Sevens competition in Kenya next weekend.

The final itself saw the Cheetahs gain significant territorial advantage and spend most of the first period inside the South African's half. By half time the pressure had yielded two converted tries for the Zimbabwe side.

Gilbert Nyamustamba’s Cheetahs did not take their foot of the gas in the second half and it became inevitable that they would increase their lead.

Nyamutsamba, standing in for England-based coach Liam Middleton was happy that his side had managed a third successive title especially considering he fielded seven new caps over the weekend.

"Looking at the fact that there were seven new faces in the team, I am impressed with the performance and what makes it even sweeter is that this is our third successive title here.

"The morning was a bit difficult but Botswana gave us a good game. We all have the same difficulties in the morning games but we have to play our best games in the knock out stages," said Nyamutsamba.

Goshawks coach Bezel Dingiswayo was also very pleased with his side’s achievements, despite their two losses on the opening day of the tournament.

"I am very proud of the boys considering the fact that they had very short time to practice together as a team and it only took them a short time to get used to know each other.

"Yesterday’s two defeats and a win were largely because the teams that we were playing were good teams and Kenya were in the plate final while it was also the first time for most of them (Goshawks players) to be in a tournament like this.

"They got stage fright but as they went on with the game they got used to it and they had no pressure especially in the Bowl final," said Dingiswayo.

The Cheetahs success at Castle Sevens, will take them into this weekend Safari Sevens full of confidence and ready to perform on the big stage.

Tagged in this article: Safari Sevens, Kenya Sevens

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