HARARE - Harare Sports Club yesterday produced a spirited comeback to extend their National Rugby League unbeaten run by compounding defending champions Old Hararians to a 34-28 defeat.
The result pushed Sports Club further ahead of the chasing pack, enhancing their ambitions to reclaim the NRL title they lost to OH last season.
Yesterday, it was a game in which Sports Club started with their backs against the ropes after the Old Boys drew first blood through a converted try from eighthman Takunda Chifokoyo.
Sports Club replied through scrum half Phillimon Machesa but the defending champions were soon back on top after fly half Tichafara Makwanya converted two penalties.
Sports Club’s Tedious Hwata reduced arrears after converting a penalty to live his side trailing 13-8.
OH seemed to their run away with the game after flank Taurai Jani planted a well-orchestrated counter attack that was ignited by fullback Tafadzwa Chitokwindo.
At half time OH were up 21-13 but Sports Club would go on to dig their way out of trouble with tries from eighth man Osborne Muhambi and Kudakwashe Chisepo.
OH’s poor second half showing was highlighted by Makwanya four penalty misses.
Now, after beating Old Georgians and Old Hararians, Sports Club will fancy their chances of going all the way this season.