Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo
BULAWAYO Metropolitan Rugby Football Board (BMRFB) Under-20 League continues this coming Saturday with a clash between last year’s runners-up, Western Suburbs Panthers and Old Miltonians (OMs) set to headline game-week three encounters at Hartsfield Rugby Grounds.
The two sides are leading the pack on Group Two standings with Panthers at the summit of the table with 10 points while OMs sit second with six points.
Panthers have had a solid start to the new season, winning both their opening matches including an 84-0 demolition of Bulawayo City in their previous game.
OMs, on the other hand, have won one and lost one, beating Lions while losing against Highlanders.
“Week two games were nothing short of an acid test for new teams. Western Suburbs initiated Bulawayo City into the Competition. Without hesitation, the group B log leaders unleashed their full might against a spirited Bulawayo City, who at the end, left the field licking their wounds.
“Our development pillar was shaken and given a huge awakening over the weekend. However, this is in line with our efforts to grow the game by encouraging new entries, closing existing gaps and securing a balance between development, growth and sustainability of the game.
“As the Tournament progresses we are confident that developing sides will find their right footing into the Competition. We wish to commend the efforts of all team coaches and administrators in their continuous improvement of the game,” said tournament director Ndumiso Tshuma.
In other matches lined up for game week three at the city’s ceremonial home of rugby, Highlanders, who sit in third place on Group Two will be up against Bulawayo City in the opening match of the day.
This will be followed by a Group One encounter pitting table toppers Matebeleland Warriors and fourth placed Raiders.
The third match of the day, set for a 1pm start, will see Bulldogs girls go head to head with Highlanders girls.
The two teams are separated by just a single point on the log standings.
Bulldogs girls are in position three after two matches with five points while Highlanders are fourth with four points.
The second girls’ match of the day will follow soon after, pitting table toppers Plumtree High and Bulawayo City, starting at 1.30pm.
The boys’ defending champions, Plumtree High Amabhubesi are scheduled to face Matopo, followed by a game between CBC Hornets and Bulldogs at 15.30pm.
The Panthers and OMs game is scheduled to start at 16.30pm. Lions are on a bye this week.
Gate charges at pegged at US$1 for general entry and US$2 for the shade stand.
Calls have been made to fans to come out in numbers and rally behind the game’s future stars.
The Under-20 League marks the beginning of the 2026 local rugby season.
