MATABELELAND Duikers won the Owen Davies inter-provincial Under-13 rugby tournament for the first time in more than decade with a 17-14 victory over Harare North in the final at Hillcrest Preparatory School in Mutare on Saturday.

The match had concluded 14-14 in 30 minutes of fulltime then headed into sudden death where the first team to score would win the tournament. Skipper, flyhalf Harry Streak booted in a drop goal to win it for the boys from Matabeleland. Harry is the son of Zimbabwe senior national cricket team coach Heath.

On their way to lifting the trophy, the Duikers beat Harare South 26-5, defeated Easterns 19-12 and saw off Barbarians 24-5 in the group stages. In the semifinals, the Jacques Nel coached lads were too good for Mashonaland West with a 17-7 win before they took care of Harare North in the final.

“We are very happy, the boys showed a lot of guts, it’s a great honour to have had the opportunity to coach this team and for the boys to produce such kind of a display. It was a team effort that pulled us through, regardless of who scored the tries, it was unbelievable,’’ Nel said.

Saturday’s triumph was massive turnaround for the Duikers who had put up a dismal show at last year’s tournament in Harare where they finished second from last.

Zimbabwe born former Springbok Tonderai Chavhanga was the guest of honour at the tournament and presented the prizes on Saturday.

@Mdawini_29