Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE second week of the 2025 Bulawayo Metropolitan Rugby Football Board (BMRFB) Archer Clothing Sevens Series brought another thrilling day of sevens action at Hartsfield Rugby Grounds on Saturday, and it belonged to the Matabeleland Warriors.
The Warriors were relentless, sealing a hard-fought 24–21 victory over Western Suburbs Panthers in the final to cap a perfect round. They opened their campaign with a 36–0 demolition of the National University of Science and Technology (Nust), before brushing aside Highlanders 42–0 in the semi-finals.
Panthers reached the final after edging Raiders 33–14 in their opener and grinding out a 21–14 semi-final win over Old Miltonians (OMs).
OMs, who had dominated Week One, settled for third place after beating Highlanders 38–12 in the bronze playoff. They started their day with a 14–0 win over Mahogany Bulls, but couldn’t get past Panthers in the last four.
In the lower fixtures, Nust cruised past Mahogany Bulls 26–0 to claim fifth place, while Raiders edged Bulldogs 35–21 in the seventh-place playoff. Earlier, Raiders had fallen 21–12 to Mahogany Bulls, with Bulldogs losing 33–7 to Highlanders and 26–12 to Nust.
The women’s championship also went to the Warriors, who crushed Panthers 28–5 in the final. Earlier in the day, Bulldogs Ladies had beaten Lions 14–0 to set up a semi-final clash with Panthers, which they won 20–0.
However, Bulldogs failed to honour their final fixture against Warriors, for the second week in a row, forcing organisers to slot Panthers into the title match.
A letter from tournament director Busani Ncube, addressed to clubs and seen by Zimpapers Sports Hub, confirmed that Bulldogs Ladies had been disqualified from the competition.
“Please be informed that the Bulldogs Ladies team has refused to honour their fixture against the Warriors Ladies for two consecutive weeks. This past weekend, they were scheduled to play Warriors in the tournament final, but declined to participate. Consequently, the Panthers Ladies, who had lost in the semi-finals, were given the opportunity to play in the final.
The Bulldogs have communicated that they have written to the Board and are awaiting a response regarding their grievances. However, in the interest of maintaining the integrity of the competition, safeguarding the reputation of our sponsors, and ensuring the smooth continuation of our tournaments, the Bulldogs Ladies have been disqualified from further participation until their matter has been resolved and the Board grants clearance for their reinstatement. We appreciate the continued support and co-operation of all clubs as we uphold the standards of fair play and discipline within our rugby community,” read the letter.
After two rounds, the men’s standings are tight at the top, with Warriors and OMs tied on 39 points, just ahead of Panthers on 38. Highlanders sit fourth on 30, followed by Nust (24), Bulldogs (23), Raiders (22) and Mahogany Bulls (13).
In the women’s category, Warriors lead with 44 points, trailed by Panthers on 38 and Bulldogs on 34.
League action continues this Saturday, with fixtures to be confirmed. — @brandon_malvin
