LEAD STORY - RUGBY: 'Express' quick to find his top gear

The "Zimbabwe Express," or Karl Mudzamba to those not in the know, is back and hungry for work in Hawke's Bay's premier club rugby competition.
Mudzamba, who was nicknamed the "Zimbabwe Express" by SportToday when he scored 23 first-class tries during a five-year stint with the Magpies from 2000-2005 was an obvious choice for Napier Pirate Rugby and Sports player-of-the-match honours in the first round of the Tui Nash Cup on Saturday. He scored a cracker of a try, made numerous dangerous bursts and let nobody past him on defence during a 24-6 win against Central at Park Island.
"It was a good way to come back after missing all of last year with an arm injury but I'm still a bit rusty," said Mudzamba, 32, who has always been his toughest critic.
SportToday suggested if he keeps this form up Mudzamba will be a contender for the Hawke's Bay B team at least.
"We'll have to see how the body holds together. The main thing is the team made a good start to the season today and I'm sure we'll keep improving," replied Mudzamba.
Prop Dennis Puia and flankers Marcus Donovan and Dane McCarthy were also prominent for the Pirate side which retained the Challenge Trophy and denied Central first five-eighth Stephen Baker a winning 100th outing for his side. Central were guilty of rushing on numerous occasions and this contributed to many soft turnovers.
Flanker Warrick Slingsby, hooker Tyler Ashworth and prop Brendon Edmonds were all busy in the Central pack.
Former Havelock North prop David Briggs made a successful start in his head coach role with Napier Technical by guiding them to a 35-22 win against his former side at Whitmore Park.
"It's hard to get a smile out of Briggsie but he's smiling a little bit today," quipped Tech manager Cyril Whitburn afterwards.
Hooker Jamie Muir was outstanding in the Tech pack. Second five-eighth Ryan McLeod and loosies Hugh Reed and Trent Boswell-Wakefield also impressed for the hosts who trailed 14-13 at halftime. Although he missed four of his eight attempts at goal, first five-eighth Ihaia West controlled general play well in his premier debut for Havelock. Busy No.8 Adam Bradey was the pick of the Havelock forwards and winger Jason Kupa operated well in the losing backline.
Tamatea manager Bryan Harris was buzzing after his side's 22-20 loss to Napier Old Boys Marist at Bill Mathewson Park.
"Marist were waiting for our boys to run out of petrol but we didn't. All our boys stepped up in a top team effort and considering who they had our boys can be extremely proud of themselves," said Harris.
Centre Corey Richardson, who scored 15 of his side's points, prop Colin Mataira and winger Jarome Mareikura all featured on Harris' MVP points list. "Yes we used our get out of jail free card and it's a bit early in the season for that," said NOBM coach Mike Warren.
He singled out props Cam Ward, who scored two tries, and Eugene Gerrard and former Canterbury No.8 Mike Coman as the best of his players.
In his farewell appearance before moving to Auckland, Hastings Rugby and Sports winger Dan Stemp scored two tries in a 50-12 win against Clive at Elwood Park. Tivaini Fomai also scored two tries and combined well with fellow loosies Pama Petia and Nigel Walshe.
Prop Ben Tameifuna and first five-eighth Jarrod Hill also shone for Hastings. Clive competed well in the first half but conceded some soft second half tries.
Openside flanker James Tango celebrated his 50th outing for Clive with a player-of-the-match display. Halfback Miga Meikle and lock Corey Moran were also prominent for the visitors.
Defending champions Taradale bombed six tryscoring opportunities in a 22-8 win against MAC at Carters Arms Park.
"Considering who we had back from last year and the fact seven guys were playing their first premier game we had to be happy with the win," said Taradale coach Stu Cruden.
Winger Josh Mahoni, lock Reon Watts, prop Josh Maynard and halfback Chris Eaton were among Taradale's most valuable contributors. Captain and flanker Everard Reid, prop Whetu Barber, second five-eighth George Crichton and lock Johnny Te Ngaio were among MAC's heroes.