Forward Fortune Chipendu scored the only try of the game as Old Georgians came from behind to snatch a late 18-20 win over White River in the opening round of the Gold Cup on Saturday.

With five minutes to go at Nelspruit, the Dragons were 18-15 down and it looked tough on the Zimbabweans, but the Groombridge Dragons were so determined to carry on with their unbeaten record, aiming to stretch it into the South African tournament.

“An amazing opportunity to compete in the Gold Cup. A well fought win over hosts White River from Nelspruit in our opening match. Hit-of-the-Match went to Boyd Rouse and Men-of-the-Match were the entire forward pack. Thanks to all who supported us,” celebrated OGs on their facebook page.

This win ensured that the Dragons - unbeaten this year in the Zimbabwean competitions - maintained their winning streak, taking it over to foreign land.

It was through the hard work of the forward pack led by the trio of David Makanda, Keith Murray Wade Petzer that the Dragons managed to squeeze through what would be the only and most important touchdown of the game.

Veteran Sables lock Chipendu was at a vantage point to give Grant Mitchell’s boys a winning start while 15 of the other points came through penalties slotted in by exciting flyhalf Lenience Tambwera following great work by flanks Jacques Leitao, Tendai Dzongodza and captain Kingsley Lang.

White River’s points came from six penalties.

Round 1 Results:
White River 18, Old Georgians 20; Pirates 28, Wanderers Windhoek 26; PE Police 35, BFN Police 11; Durbell 40, Old Selbornians 14.