Old Miltonians leap to the top

FOLLOWING the completion of round three of matches in the 2024 Bulawayo Metropolitan Rugby Football Board (BMRFB) Archer Clothing Rugby League on Saturday, Old Mitonians (OMs) have taken the top spot on the log standings with a perfect start to the season.

OMs proved their mettle with a stunning 48-0 defeat of Highlanders at Hartsfield Rugby Grounds on Saturday, earning them a superior points difference over Matabeleland Warriors.

Coach Victor Chirwa remained humble in the face of their impressive start, acknowledging that while the team was young, they were working hard to achieve their desired results.

“It’s a work in progress, of course, we are happy, we take the wins, but in terms of our process and where we are trying to get to, there is still a lot of work to do. It’s a fairly new group and we had 12 debutants on the first day and five today, so we are still trying to gel as a team. We are still trying to get to the identity we want, but we take the wins,” said Chirwa.

“We will be taking it one game at a time, but the goal is the championship. Last year we finished second and we always want to improve on that so the next thing is first, but we have to pay respect to the defending champions. They are a more experienced team, and they have been playing together for years, and have national team players, but the championship is the goal,” he said.

Warriors won the inaugural BMRFB Archer Clothing Rugby League last year, finishing the season undefeated.

The Warriors also began their title defence on a high, winning their opening matches, and both teams stand unbeaten with 10 points each.

In Women’s league matches, Warriors Ladies and Panthers Ladies won their matches, while Buffaloes lost to Greyhounds in the Division One category. The action continues this coming Saturday with fixtures yet to be announced.

Warriors Ladies were too strong for Plumtree Queens, who they whitewashed 20-0, while Panthers Ladies played to a 10-10 stalemate against Highlanders Ladies.

In the Division One category, there was only one match pitting Buffaloes and Greyhounds,which the latter comfortably won 20-0.

The action continues this coming Saturday with fixtures yet to be announced.

BMRFB Archer Clothing Rugby League Round Three Results:

Ladies League: Warriors 20-0 Plumtree Queens, Panthers Ladies 10-0 Highlanders

Division One: Buffaloes 0-20 Greyhounds

Championship: Bulldogs 0-20 Warriors, Old Miltonians 48-0 Highlanders. — @brandon_malvin