Old Mutual Zimbabwe Under-18 …………………….. (14) 21

Namibia Under-18………………………………………(31) 45

Old Mutual Zimbabwe Under-18……………………...(14) 24

Namibia Under-18………………………………………(7) 27

FOLLOWING his side’s defeat to Namibia which saw them end the Coca-Cola Craven Week without a win at St Stithians College on Saturday, Old Mutual Zimbabwe Under-18 coach Scott Gray has taken full responsibility for the team’s unimpressive display at the annual schoolboy rugby tournament.

The three losses mean that Zimbabwe’s struggles at the Craven Week continued as they have lost 11 and won just one out of the 12 matches they have played since 2014.

Speaking to the media after losing to Namibia, the Zimbabwe born former Scotland international player seemed resigned to the fact that he will not be in charge of the Junior Sables at next year’s Craven Week. Gray’s contention is that he fell short as a coach to get the players to play as a team having spent so much time preparing his lads for the Craven Week. Before the defeat to Namibia, Zimbabwe were beaten 72-17 by Leopards and 34-14 by Eastern Province Country Districts.

“I am very disappointed in myself, please make sure you get that right, I am not disappointed in my players at all I am disappointed with myself. I have failed quite badly in trying to get these boys to play as a team, I have a lot of mistakes,’’ said Gray.

The way Gray spoke seemed like he had already given up on being the Zimbabwe Craven Week mentor after just one stint. Gray took over from long serving Godwin “Jaws” Murambiwa who had been coach from 2006. He blamed the three defeats to poor defensive patterns and failure to carry out the attacking plans he had taught his players.

“I don’t think I will be asked to come back again so I don’t think we need to worry about that if they were stupid enough to ask me to do it again then I would look at it try and see how I could have done it better,’’ he said.

Against Namibia, the Junior Sables started off brightly with skipper Jack Charsley going over for the first try of the game after a lovely offload by scrumhalf Dillon Brain who went on to add the extra two points with a successful conversion.

From there on it was Namibia all over Zimbabwe which saw the Namibians lead 31-14 heading into halftime. In total, Namibia scored six tries, same number of conversions and one penalty goal for a comprehensive victory. First centre Mazvitaishe Nyamarebvu and exceptional number eight Ronald Mirimi scored the other tries for Zimbabwe which were both converted by Brain.

For the Basil Dingiswayo coached Academy Week side, they came close against their Namibian counterparts only to lose 27-24.

Old Mutual Zimbabwe Under-18 Craven Week team against Namibia

Rivaldo Kwidini, Marcus Nicole, Cody Rensburg, Dexter Trail, Davin King, Jack Charsley (captain), Ryan Smith, Ronald Mirimi, Dillon Brain, Leroy Kagodora, Lameck Vheriwa, Lebukgang Mokuele, Tapiwa Marimira, Michael Mhute

Replacements: Tidawanashe Mabhudhu, Brendan Mudzikitiri, Kudakwashe Mashonga, Prince Mupfurutsa, Simbarashe Chingono, Tinashe Hombiro  

Coach: Scott Gray

Assistant coach: Cleopas Makotose

Team manager: Shaun De Souza

Old Mutual Zimbabwe Under-18 Academy Week team against Namibia

Adrian Zivanai, Takudzwa Mutukumira, Takunda Magondo, Alce Melo, Brendon Sibanda, James Owuru, Sean  Mupanemunda(captain), Matthew Owuru,Nigel Tinarwo, Taine Roelfsz, Siampunga Sindaza, Anesu Haki, Sean Maenzanise(vice-captain), Takudzwa Siyawamwaya, Takunda Machaya

Replacements: Louis Du Plessis, Kundai Mashingaidze, Brian Chakoma, Thokozani Mrewa, Innocent Mpariwa, Edwin Mutseyekwa, Joshua Allardice

Coach: Basil Dingiswayo

Assistant coach: Tatenda Museba

Team manager: Simbarashe Dangah

@Mdawini_29