The Cheetahs might not have qualified for the Olympics after they suffered an early knock-out with two defeats in the group stages of the Sevens rugby qualifier play-offs, but they at least salvaged a face-saver winning the second tier Olympic Repechage men’s Challenge Trophy.

Defeats at the hands of Ireland and Samoa in their Group A games on Saturday in Monaco condemned Zimbabwe out of the Main Cup competition and were relegated to play in the less prestigious Challenge Trophy.

Germany-based Manasah Sita was the star of the show with a four try haul that saw the Cheetahs get a 31-5 win over Tonga – a side they had beaten in the group games as well – Riaan O’Neill adding the other try while fly-half Lenience Tambwera successfully converted four of the touchdowns.

Sita was the only one to touch-down in the first half where he did so three times – in the third, fourth and seventh minute – and Tambwera was accurate with his boot on all these occasions but it was early in the second half that Taliauli Sikuea responded for Tonga with an unconverted try.

Zimbabwe’s show continued with O’Neill adding an unconverted five pointer before Sita grabbed his fourths two minutes before fulltime to get Zimbabwe’s face saver.

However, the Cheetahs performance was not particularly impressive and it was difficult to believe this was the same side that put up a tremendous show in the African qualifiers where they made life difficult for Kenya last year.

Having finished second in Africa to Kenya, Zimbabwe brew a shocker losing 12-24 to Ireland in their opening game of the group stages, they went on to beat Tonga 21-14 and failed to pull themselves back into contention with another loss to Samoa (7-21).

This ensured that the Cheetahs finished third behind Ireland and Samoa while Tonga were bottom in the four team group and the bottom two of Zimbabwe and Tonga were relegated to the Trophy Challenge.

Zimbabwe v Mexico

Challenge Trophy Quarter Final

A 19-10 win over the South Americans was enough to see Zimbabwe sail through into the semi-finals of the Challenge Trophy. Riaan O’ Neill weighed in with a brace of tries after Stephan Hunduza had opened the scoring with a third minute try.

O’Neill’s first try came just before the break but this time Tambwera was not accurate with his boot, and it was Mexico who scored first in the second period, Herrejon Rubalcava’s two touch downs unconverted before O’Neill sealed the game.

 Zimbabwe v Morocco

Challenge Trophy Semi-Final

Stephan Hunduza, Kilvan Magunje, captain Hilton Mudariki and Kudakwashe Chiwanza were all on the score sheet as they scored a try apiece and Tambwera converted three of the four, missing off Mudariki’s try.

Zimbabwe had to come from behind as Morocco’s Qadiri crossed the whitewash in the first minute of the game, Akarmoudi making full use of the bonus point’s kick. Going into the break Zimbabwe were trailing 7-12 after Magunje had replied for the Cheetahs as Abid’s try was converted by Akarmoudi.

Mudariki led from the front and toucvhed down first in the second half before Hunduza and Chiwanza scored, taking advantage of Morocco who were a man down following an Rguibi Idrissi yellow-card.

But the North Africans were not done yet as Hamdan’s try was converted in the last minute but it was too late for recovery as the damage had already been done and time had run out.

Group A Opener

Zimbabwe v Ireland (lost 12-24)

Zimbabwe: Tries: Manasah Sita, Boyd Rouse; Con: Lenience Tambwera

Ireland: Tries: Steve Toal-Lennon 2, Tom Daly, Alex Wootton; Cons: Steve Toal-Lennon 2

Zimbabwe were tipped to come out with a win over the Irish, but the Europeans pulled a shocker – their first of many in this competition.

The Irish were on the scoreboard within a minute, a Harry McNulty ruck poach and Tom Daly break from deep getting them up to the 22 before quick ball saw Steve Toal-Lennon go over in the right corner for an unconverted try.

Try number two followed soon after, Barry Daly''s determined work off the restart opening up Zimbabwe''s defence and a strong run from skipper Tom Daly saw him break free from 20 metres out, with Toal-Lennon converting.

Zimbabwe opened their account two minutes before half-time, some crisp build-up play forcing Ireland backwards and Manasah Sita stepped in off his left to score with Lenience Tambwera''s kick making it 12-7.

Zimbabwe Squad: Manasah Sita, Kuda Chiwanza, Hilton Mudariki, Shayne Makombe, Lenience Tambwera, Stephan Hunduza, Boyd Rouse, Kilvan Magunje, Riaan O’Neill, BIselele Tshamala, Takudzwa Francisco, Tendai Dzongodzo.

Group A Standings

                                P         W       D         L         PF       PA      PD      BP       PTS

Ireland                3       3      0       0       82     45       37     0          9

Samoa                3       2      0       1       68     34       34     0          7

Zimbabwe           3      1        0        2      40     59       -19    0          5