St Stithians’ (Saints) rugby campaign began in heartbreak as they suffered a narrow 21–24 defeat to a determined St John’s College Harare side at the Saints Sport Festival.
What was supposed to be a strong opening by the home team quickly turned into a lesson in missed opportunities and second-half resilience.
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Saints started brightly, gaining control early in the first half and taking a deserved 7–0 lead. Their structure looked solid, and confidence was high as they pinned Harare deep in their own half.
St Stithians lose 21-24 to St John’s College Harare. Photo: Mthulisi Lwazi Khuboni
However, the home team failed to capitalise on key moments, most notably missing a crucial penalty that could have extended their lead and shifted the momentum in their favour.
Harare, despite having a difficult start, was awarded a penalty and converted easily, taking the score to 7-3.
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Harare emerged after halftime with renewed energy and purpose. Their physicality increased, their defence tightened, and their attack became more clinical. They gradually wore Saints down, turning pressure into points and seizing control of the match.With 15 minutes on the clock, Harare scored a try and conversion to take a 10-7 lead and silence the home crowd. Shortly after, the visitors struck again with another try and conversion, taking the score to 17-7.
The home team needed to dig deep to get back into the game. They scored a crucial try and a conversion to take the score to 14-17. However, Harare delivered another blow and opened another 10-point gap (24-14).
St Stithians take on St John’s College Harare at the Saints Fest. Photo: Mthulisi Lwazi Khuboni
Right at the end of the encounter, Saints went over again, but it was not enough for a victory, ending in the 21-24 loss.
St John’s College Harare coach Gavin Nyawara said that it was a game in which whoever executed their basics best would get the win.
“It was a tough game; it’s been tough for us leading up to the festival. We picked up a few injuries, but the Saints are a very worthy opponent. What a game to play against such wonderful hosts.”
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CAXTON SCHOOLS | Home crowd. Home fire. 🔥St Stithians College gets the ultimate send-off as supporters and learners push them onto the pitch ahead of their first clash at the Saints Sports Festival 💪 It’s game time against St John’s College Harare, and the energy is unmatched ⚡ #CaxtonSchools #schoolrugby #StStithians #StJohnsCollege #KES
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He added that the basics got them through, and coming back from behind demanded resilience from his boys.
“We tried to build early on in our pre-season, so it’s good to see the boys carry that through. I am proud of the boys and just happy to be here and be part of this wonderful event.”
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