By Zim Sport Live Writer
Zimbabwe’s Junior Sables ended their stay in Uganda on a winning note after beating the hosts’ Under-20 side 53-32 in an international Test at Muteesa II Stadium in Kampala on Saturday.
The fixture was organised following the conclusion of the Rugby Africa U20 Barthes Trophy, giving both teams an additional opportunity to test themselves against international opposition.
Zimbabwe dominated the opening half, taking a commanding 31-6 lead into the break before Uganda produced a stronger second-half performance.
The Junior Sables, however, maintained control to secure a nine-try victory and bring their Uganda campaign to a positive conclusion.
The Test came after Zimbabwe finished third in the Barthes Trophy Performance Division.
They lost 35-23 to eventual champions Kenya in the semi-finals before responding with a 38-12 victory over Tunisia in the bronze-medal match.
Kenya secured the tournament title by beating defending champions Namibia 33-14 in Tuesday’s final, with the victory earning them qualification for the World Rugby Junior Trophy in Chile next year.
Zimbabwe had targeted the Barthes Trophy title and a return to the World Rugby Junior Trophy, but their hopes ended with the semi-final defeat.
Uganda, meanwhile, had already secured promotion to the Performance Division after a dominant First Division campaign.
The hosts beat Zambia 81-0 and 27-12 in their two matches and will replace Tunisia in next year’s Performance Division.