Sun Rays Edge Impis to Lift Grid Cup Despite Kamubvumbi Heroics
SUN Rays cemented their place in history, lifting the inaugural Sable Lager Grid Cup unbeaten as Harare Sports Club played host to an absolute classic on Saturday.
In a match characterised by end-to-end attacking play, the Sun Rays held their nerve to edge out a fierce Impis side 38–34.
While the Sun Rays took home the silverware, the match was illuminated by the solid performance of Impis fly-half, Tatenda Kamubvumbi.
Kamubvumbi steals the show despite being on the losing side, producing a masterclass at number 10. He has grown in stature throughout the tournament, but this final was his finest hour. A true running fly-half, he constantly tested the Sun Rays’ defensive line, asking questions every time he had ball in hand.
His efforts were rewarded when he powered through the Sun Rays’ defence to score one of his trademark tries. His ability to take the ball to the line and create space marks him as a massive talent for the future.
Sun Rays proved why they are champions by capitalising on their opportunities in this “try fest.” Their utility back, Tadius “Boxer” Dzandiwandira, was instrumental in the victory. “Boxer” made several crucial line breaks, scoring a spectacular try from deep inside his own half and slotting a calm 20-metre drop goal to keep the scoreboard ticking over.
The match was a battle of styles. The Impis pack, led by the physical carries of Vice-captain Vuyani Dhlomo and skipper Kudzai Mashawi, dominated the set-pieces. They controlled the scrums and milked several penalties, giving them plenty of possession.
However, the Sun Rays’ defence scrambled well, and their clinical finishing ensured they stayed ahead at the final whistle, lifting the inaugural cup.
In the bronze match, Valley Blades snatched victory in the earlier kick-off; the Valley Blades finally recorded their first win of the campaign, narrowly beating Nguni 32–31.
It was a game of two halves. The Blades looked defeated at halftime but staged a massive comeback, scoring four unanswered tries in the second stanza. Left-wing Michael Chimedza was the hero of the hour, crossing the whitewash for a hat-trick to secure the one-point victory.
