HARARE - A depleted Harare Sports Club began defence of their title with a resounding 56-12 victory over Gweru Sports Club at HSC.

After losing several senior players such as hooker Raymond Dzvairo, utility forward Jakov Jakov as well as utility backs Cleopas Makotose and Tangai Nemadire during the off season, many thought the defending champions would struggle especially upfront.

HSC managed to prove their critics wrong as the new youngsters stepped up to the plate and their coach Nsikelelo ‘Sykes’ Sibanda was spot on with his tactics, fielding a very mobile pack which punched a lot of holes in Gweru’s defence, which was in six-and-sevens most of the afternoon.

A new look Old Hararians, coached by Cyprian Mandenge, took ailing giants Old Miltonians to the sword, beating them 80-03 in a one-sided affair.  

OH dominated in all departments and their skipper Tichafara Makwanya was on song with the boot as he barely missed a kick on goal.

Western Panthers pulled the upset of the weekend by beating last year’s runners-up Matabeleland Warriors 21-20 in a cliff-hanger at Hartsfield. - Brian Matamba