THE Lion Lager National Rugby League (XV) was concluded last Saturday ending a season that was full of surprises and action.
It was Old Hararians that got the season’s reward after beating arch rivals Old Georgians 29-27 in a tight derby final.
Harare Sports Club (HSC) failed to retain the league title they won last year. Old Georgians won it in 2011 and failed to retain it in 2012 demonstrating high level of competition in the NRL.
No team has claimed a back-to-back title since 2011 in the NRL.
Run-away scorelines were not dominant this year as teams that lost, did so competitively. The previous season had run-away scorelines that led many to question the competitiveness of the league.
Zvishavane Bulls were the new kids on the block but failed to stamp their authority in the domestic league. Having brought the NRL to Zvishavane, the team became a punching bag for all.
For the rest of the reason, they occupied the basement of the log.
Mixed fortunes were in store for powerhouses HSC and Old Georgians.
The defending champions crashed out in the semi finals stage while the 2011 NRL champions narrowly lost in the final.
Now that the season has come to an end, players will be conditioning themselves while others who play in the Sevens start their season. Expectations will be high for the excelling players in the annual rugby awards that will be held later this year to reward them for their prowess.
The Player-of-the-year, Rookie-of-the-year, most disciplined player and forward-of-the-year categories among others will be awarded prizes.
This year marks the end of Delta’s three-year sponsorship of NRL.
Lion Lager have been bankrolling the league and their input has been felt as Zimbabwe rugby teams began to excel.
It remains to be seen whether the corporate will return to the game and continue changing the fortunes of the game.
However, it could not be established whether any relegation will take place or two more teams will be accommodated in the NRL to bring to 10 the number of teams in the top flight.
On a sad note, during the course of the season, two teams were involved in road traffic accidents and one player died.
Zvishavane Bulls lost Slimfield Moyo in April while two months later Matabeleland Warriors were involved in an accident.