Action packed rugby programme

AN action-packed second week of the 2025 Archer Clothing Bulawayo Metropolitan Rugby Football Board (BMRFB) Under-20 League lies ahead, with five matches lined up for Hartsfield Rugby Grounds this Saturday.

The Under-20 League got off to a flying start last weekend, and the action continues tomorrow with more highly enthralling matches on the cards to keep rugby enthusiasts on the edge of their seats.

Only one women’s match is scheduled again this week, with Highlanders — who were on a bye last week — facing Bulldogs, who began their campaign in style with a 20-0 victory over Panthers. It will be the first match of the day.

Defending champions Old Miltonians (OMs), who also did not play last week, will kick off their title defence with a clash against the Gwanda-based Matabeleland Lions, who suffered a crushing 73-0 defeat at the hands of Panthers last week.

The high-flying Panthers will face a tricky encounter on Saturday when they go head-to-head with Plumtree Tigers in the third match of the day.

Following the Panthers vs Tigers showdown, the 2023 winners, Christian Brothers College (CBC) Hornets, will take on the struggling Bulldogs.

Both sides will be eager to secure their first victories of the season after losing their respective opening matches last week.

The Hornets suffered a narrow 21-17 defeat to Matabeleland Warriors, while Bulldogs were mauled 63-0 by Highlanders.

The final match of the day will see Highlanders and Warriors face off in what promises to be a thrilling encounter between two sides brimming with confidence after winning their opening matches of the

season.
The Under-20 League serves as the traditional rugby season opener not just in Bulawayo but nationwide.

The Archer Clothing BMRFB Under-20 League was initially set to commence on January 25 but was postponed for two weeks due to what the organisers described as ‘logistical reasons.’

Following the conclusion of the Under-20 League, the Archer Clothing Rugby League is set to begin, with OMs also starting the season as defending champions after defeating Warriors in a thrilling final last year.

Gate charges for the matches are set at US$1 and US$2 for shaded seating.
Archer Clothing BMRFB Under-20 Week Two Fixtures:
Ladies: Highlanders VS Bulldogs (11.30am)
Men: OMs vs Lions (12.30); Panthers vs Plumtree (13.50); Hornets vs Bulldogs (15.10); Highlanders vs Warriors (16.30).