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FORMER Sables versatile backliner Cleopas Makotose feels more ex-rugby players should get involved in the game if the level of the game is to rise in Zimbabwe schools.

Most schools have failed to live up to expectations in the opening three days of the annual Prince Edward Dairibord Schools Rugby Festival despite playing against weaker opposition.

Giants like Churchill, St George’s College, St Johns’ College and Prince Edward won their games but were not convincing given the opposition they faced and Makotose feels former players have a huge role to play.

“A lot was expected, especially today, when the so-called big teams play but there has not been quality rugby on display despite the fact that some of these teams went for pre-season tournaments abroad.

“There is very little rivalry between the teams,” said the Gateway assistant coach.

The festival will take a break today. The primary schools are expected to take to the field on a day most of the senior players will be watching their peers in the World Rugby Under-20 Trophy tournament at Harare Sports Club.

Churchill were 22-5 winners over Marlborough, Eaglesvale were impressive in their 58-7 thumping of Bulawayo’s Milton Boys, while St George’s and Falcon College also registered big wins over Hellenic and Kyle.

Malvern Chirume’s Gateway edged Watershed 20-19 in a tightly-contested but evenly balanced mid-day game.

In the girl matches, Girls High and Vainona maintained their dominance. Girls High emerged 15-0 winners over a battling Goromonzi while the Vainona Swazis destroyed a hapless Royal College of Glen View 40-0.

Thubelihle Tshuma of Girls High was named the player-of-the-match in her side’s win while Vainona’s Adelande Chikafa also got the same recognition in her side’s victory.

Results:

Yesterday: St Johns Emerald 20, Tynwald 5; PE II 41, Cranborne 7; Sobukazi 12, Oriel 10; Girls High 15, Goromonzi 0; Vainona 40, Royal College 0; Eaglesvale 26, SOS 5; Trust 22, Kwekwe 5; Victoria High 12, Mount Pleasant 12.

Monday: Petra 5, Heritage 10; Marlborough 5, Churchill 22; Milton 7, Eaglesvale 58; Watershed 19, Gateway 20; St Johns College 45, Lomagundi 7; Prince Edward 27, MCC 10; Hellenic 3, St George’s 53; Falcon College 48, Kyle College 15. — sportszone.