FQML U19’s Rugby 15’s – Chengelo School are 2019 winners!

On Saturday 23rd March Chengelo took part in the final rugby tournament of the season – the ‘FQML Under 19’s Rugby 15’s Tournament’ held at Simba School, Ndola.

As in the FQML Rugby 7’s and the Chengelo 10’s earlier this season, Chengelo U19’s dominated their pool, winning all of their games, which took them into the Final.

On this occasion, the Final was against Trident School, previous winners of the Tournament. In a highly competitive and very physical game, there was little to choose between the two teams. Chengelo’s tactics through the tournament were to assert pressure on teams and dominate in defence. No one scored any points against us all day. Through some outstanding set piece and fierce rucking, we forced our opponents to give away penalties. Gabriel Stassen, voted by the Referees Society as ‘Player of the Tournament’ duly kicked the penalties into points. Gabriel was excellent in all areas through the day. This tactic paid off, and in the Final, Chengelo were an impenetrable wall and forced several penalties out of Trident. We went 3-0 up early on in the game and held on to beat Trident 3-0 and win the 2019 FQML Rugby 15’s.

After losing 2 Finals this year, the players relief and sheer enjoyment at the final whistle was very evident for all to see.

Every player in this young and talented squad made a significant contribution, a real team effort – congratulations to them all.

Newton Sinyangwe, Adam Sherriff, Lilato Chikwelete, Isaac Mtonga, Nathanael Falcone, Nick Edmonstone, Andrew Mwape, Bongani Longwe, Fellon Chowa, Milonga Mushanga, Gabriel Stassen, Saul Chipwayambokoma, Katongo Kandeke, Eliezer Mulenga, Yamikani Phiri, Situmbeko Musokotwane, Marcus Nalubamba, Matipa Zyambo, Daniel Hara.

Our thanks to Simba School, Mr Dongo and Mr Kasongo, FQML and all our opponents for a memorable day of rugby.

Tim Foster
Photographs by Johan