BMFRB welcomes league return

THE Bulawayo Metropolitan Rugby Football Board (BMRFB) has welcomed the resumption of the 2024 Archer Clothing Rugby League action this Saturday at Hartsfield Rugby Grounds.

The league was scheduled to take a two-weekend mid-season break, the Saturdays of June 22 and June 29 and return for the second half of the league on July 6.

However, the break was cut short and clubs were requested to return on June 29 due to other engagements that were now penciled for July 6.
Without any action taking place this past Saturday, there are games penciled for this weekend and BMRFB vice-chairperson Carrington Busili said it is pleasing to welcome the return of games after teams have had a well-deserved break.

He added that the on-going campaign is going to be one to remember.
“I am thrilled that the league is finally back in action after a well-deserved break. The teams have had time to re-group, re-charge and re-focus and we expect an even more competitive and exciting second half ahead.

“Our players, coaches and fans have all been eagerly awaiting this moment, and we are ready to get back to the thrill of competition. We are making this season one to remember,” said Busili.

There are three matches lined up for Saturday in round seven of games.
There will be all to play for in a bottom-of-the-table clash between Panthers and Bulldogs.

The two sides are both tied on six points with only a score difference separating them. Bulldogs anchor the log standings in fifth place while Panthers are sitting in position five.

The former will be coming off a win against Highlanders, which was their first victory of the season.
Defending champions Matabeleland Warriors will be hoping to close the gap between them and log leaders Old Miltonians (OMs) when they come off a three-week break to face third-placed Highlanders in the last match of the day. Warriors, who are on 15 points, nine adrift of log leaders OMs who are on 24, will clash with Highlanders who are on eight points and are trailing the log leaders by 16.

In the women’s division, run-away leaders, Matabeleland Warriors Ladies team will be looking at extending their winning streak to five matches on the trot when they face third-placed Panthers Ladies who have managed to win two matches while losing as many in their opening four encounters.

It is the only women’s match lined up and will kickstart the day’s action before the men’s championship games round up the day’s play.
Entry into the stadium for the matches is US$1 for general entry and US$2 for the VIP section.

Archer Clothing Rugby League matches on Saturday:
Ladies: Warriors vs Panthers (1.15pm)
Men’s Championship: Panthers vs Bulldogs (2pm), Warriors vs Highlanders (3.30pm).