Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
DEFENDING champions Old Miltonians (OMs) stretched their unbeaten run to six matches with a dominant 51-0 win over Bulldogs in the Bulawayo Metropolitan Rugby Football Board (BMRFB) Archer Clothing Rugby League on Saturday.
The result keeps OMs at the top of the table with 30 points, three clear of second placed Matabeleland Warriors.
Despite the big win, head coach Victor Chiwara said the team still has room to improve as they push to retain the title.
“We were not as fluid as we would like to be. A win is a win but there are still a few things we’re trying to implement and work on, so it’s still work in progress,” said Chiwara.
“The goal is to defend the title. Pressure is a privilege and we’re not going to hide from it. That’s our focus. We’re not where we want to be yet hence we’re working hard.”
“We’ve been rotating the team to give youngsters game time. They only grow when given the platform to perform. We’ve seen some good signs and we’re working towards making OMs one of the best teams in the country.”
Elsewhere, Western Suburbs Panthers bounced back from their previous defeat to overpower Highlanders 37-9. It was the Panthers’ fourth win in seven matches. Highlanders slumped to their fifth loss in the same stretch.
Panthers coach George “Rollo” Mukorera said the team turned a shaky start into a strong finish.
“We struggled in the first half and made a lot of mistakes. In the second, we brought in fresh legs and the guys raised their game, that’s when the tries came,” said Mukorera.
“It’s a youthful side with some new faces. We need consistency and improvement in our forward play, but overall I’m impressed with the boys.”
Highlanders coach Silethokuhle “Slater” Ndlovu accepted the result but criticised the officiating.
“They (Panthers) played very well. I don’t know what happened with these youngsters. They did well against OMs but didn’t even tackle this time,” said Ndlovu.
“The officiating was bad. I don’t mind losing, this is a development side with only about three overaged guys. It’s okay to lose, but fairly. They could’ve scored 100 if they didn’t drop so many balls inside the try box. Losing is part of the game, but it has to be fair. Rugby can’t grow with poor refereeing.”
Panthers remain third on the table with 20 points, ahead of Mahogany Bulls (11) and Highlanders (8). Bulldogs sit at the bottom with a single point.
In the other men’s match played over the weekend, Matabeleland Warriors kept up the pressure on OMs with a 38-3 win over Mahogany Bulls. In the women’s league, Matabeleland Warriors held their spot at the top after thrashing Matabeleland Lions 53-0. The Warriors have won five of their six matches, losing just once, and sit on 24 points.
Second placed Bulldogs suffered a 12-5 defeat to Highlanders, marking their third loss of the season. Bulldogs and Lions are level on 12 points, with Lions ahead on score difference.
Panthers are fourth with 11 points, while Highlanders sit at the bottom on nine. — @brandon_malvin
