The Border Bulldogs opened their SuperSport Rugby Challenge campaign with an impressive 41-16 win over Zimbabwe Academy in East London on Sunday.
The home side held a slim 19-16 lead at the break, but pulled away in the second half to secure a win in the final match of the opening weekend of the competition.
The match was the second of two of the Rugby Festival held at the BCM Stadium and the faithful were rewarded with a good win by the home side.
Border scored early in the match when winger Sipho Nofemele gathered his own kick ahead to score under the posts.
Zimbabwe answered with two penalty goals by Brendon Mandivenga, before a second try by Border opened the gap between the sides again. Scrumhalf Bangi Kobese was quick to respond with a tap penalty near the Zimbabwe tryline, catching the visitors’ defence napping.
A strong run by centre Riaan O’Neill set up Zimbabwe’s first try in the competition, with flanker Brian Nyaude dotting down.
Mandivenga converted, but from the restart, his forwards dropped the ball and Border hooker Lubabalo Lento scored in the corner for the home side.
