Highlanders, Panthers start with wins

PANTHERS and Highlanders rugby clubs have made a strong start to the 2025 Bulawayo Metropolitan Rugby Football Board (BMRFB) Archer Clothing Under-20 League, each securing two wins in their opening matches of the season.

The two sides currently lead the standings with nine points each, separated only by points difference.

The second round of matches concluded at Hartsfield Rugby Grounds on Saturday. Panthers sit at the top of the table with nine points (including one bonus point).

On Saturday, Panthers faced Plumtree High School and managed to secure a hard-fought 15-12 win, making it two wins on the bounce. They have now scored 88 points while conceding just 12, giving them a points difference of +76, which places them ahead of Highlanders.

Highlanders, in second place, have also accumulated nine points after their convincing 12-0 victory over Matabeleland Warriors.

The boys in black and white have scored 75 points while conceding only five. Their points difference of +70 separates them from Panthers at the top.

Speaking after their win against the Warriors, one of the Highlanders coaches, Trust Sibindi, expressed his satisfaction with the team’s start to the campaign. He said the hard work put in by the players was starting to pay off.

“We are very happy. This is a group of young boys who are just starting out. Two wins in a row mean a lot to us; we are very happy.

“This is a long journey, and there are more games to come, but for now, we are proud. We enjoy these two wins, and we’ve been working hard every day. I’m glad that the results are now beginning to show,” said Sibindi.

With Panthers and Highlanders leading the charge, 2023 champions Christian Brothers College (CBC) Hornets are in third place with six points (two bonus points) following their 53-0 win over Bulldogs.

Defending champions Old Miltonians (OMs) got their title defence off to a good start with a crushing 88-0 win over Matabeleland Lions. This was their first game of the season, and the victory moved them into fourth place with five points (one bonus point).

OMs coach Tawanda Mhora said he was pleased with the way his team kicked off their title defence, adding that it was a sign of better things to come throughout the season. Mhora stated they would take each game as it comes.

OMs and Warriors are both tied on five points, separated by points difference.

In sixth place is Plumtree High with one point (bonus point), while Bulldogs and Lions occupy seventh and eighth positions respectively, with zero points.

In the women’s league, Bulldogs are leading the way with two wins from as many matches.

They have nine points (plus one bonus point), while Highlanders and Panthers are yet to register a win.

This past week, Bulldogs defeated Highlanders 15-5.

Action continues this coming weekend, with round three fixtures yet to be announced by the league organisers. The Under-20 league serves as the traditional rugby season opener. — @brandon_malvin