NATIONAL University of Science and Technology are the winners of the Tertiary Institutions Rugby Tournament held at Hartsfield Rugby Ground in Bulawayo on Saturday after they saw off Midlands State University 19-17 in what was a close fought final.

Organisers of the tournament, Navcorn were however left counting their losses after out of the anticipated 10 teams, only four pitched up, which left them with a lot of expenses to cover. The teams which participated were NUST, MSU, Belvedere Teachers College and Catholic University. Francorn Mutare, the organiser of the event said some of the institutions used the Zimbabwe University Sports Association Games which are taking place from 17 to 19 March at NUST as the reason for not sending their teams to the event. 

A round robin format was adopted with each team playing three fixtures. MSU topped the log having won all their matches, NUST were second, Belvedere Teachers College occupied third spot while Catholic University finished at the bottom. The boys from Gweru defeated NUST 11-5, Catholic University 12-0 and then clobbered Belvedere Teachers College 26-0.

Belvedere Teachers College took overall third spot after Catholic University failed to take part in the play-off since they had too many causalities.

MSU fullback Denham Zimbudzana was voted the player of the tournament, NUST flank Velempini Dlelo, a former Young Sables Zimbabwe A player was the forward of the tournament while his teammate, centre Mayenzeke Mpofu took the backline player of the tournament accolade.

The event was graced by Zimbabwe Rugby Union vice president Tapiwa Mangezi.

National Aids Council and Nyaradzo were the main bankrollers of the second edition of the tournament.

@Mdawini_29