Last minute Zambian Victoria Cup win
For the second time the result came down to the wire, but Zambia managed to come from behind to beat Zimbabwe in Lusaka to win the Victoria Cup 2-
Published by John Birch, September 15th, 2019
3 minute read
Photo (and most of the information): Tom Chaloba
Zambia maintained their 100% record in test cricket, and against Zimbabwe, to win the first test status Victoria Cup in Lusaka on Saturday.
Zambia celebrated their return to international XVs by winning both of their non-test status games against Zimbabwe in Mulfulira last season, and continued that success with a narrow 19-18 test win in Harare in July – a last minute Zimbabwe try remaining unconverted to give Zambia the win.
This weekend’s test was equally close.
After a scoreless opening 40 minutes Zambia drew first blood with a try via Natasha Musonda after the three minutes of the second half, converted by Rennie Suzi-Wilima. Zimbabwe pulled a try back ten minutes later, but with the kick missed Zambia remained ahead.
Just after the midway point in the half Zambia further extended their lead with a Mildred Musonda try, again converted but within five minutes Zimbabwe again pulled them back to within a single score with a second try, though again the conversion was missed, allowing the home team to stay 14-10 ahead.
With five minutes to go a third Zimbabwe try allowed them to sneak ahead, but with the kick again going unconverted gave them a single point lead going into the final minutes.
And they held out – until the final play. With time up Prisca Samutela was the hero with the third Zambian try, with Suzi-Wilima again on target with the boot. Final score – Zambia 21, Zimbabwe 15.
Zambia:(1-15)Yvonne Mulenga, Shirley Mwami (Capt), Loveness Nambela, Martha Banda, Rennie Suzi-Wilima, Elizabeth Chibomba, Mumba Chipashaa, Natasha Musonda, Mary Lyamba, Maggy Kasonka , Lillian Mukosga, Prisca Samutela, Bertha Chanda, Mildred Musonda, Misozi KasonkaReplacements:Mutale Nkweto, Suzan Kabamba, Dorothy Kasonka, Natasha Katambo, Mary Phiri, Martha Masonda, Veronica lungu, Juliet Mwamba
Zimbabwe:From:Andile Moyo; Melissa Ndlovu; Tatenda Chitewe; Emmah Mangena; Tadiwa Kwete; Chiwoniso Mabika; Caroline Malenga; Hazel Chidununu; Samantha Chirongoma; Barbara Shumba; Leanne Max; Lissy Wasarirevu; Sicelumusa Nyoni; Cynthia Maungwa; Constance Ngwende; Robyn Mhembere; Precious Chirinda; Lindiwe Munerenyu; Thembalami Ndhlela; Rachel Tembo; Wadzanai Chidawa; Gwendolyn Sithole; Precious Marange