Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
OLD Miltonians extended their unbeaten streak in the Bulawayo Metropolitan Rugby Football Board (BMRFB) Archer Clothing Rugby League with a ruthless 45-7 dismantling of Highlanders on match week seven, keeping their perfect record intact.
OMs have now won all five of their matches this season and sit firmly at the top of the standings with 25 points, three clear of their nearest challengers, Matabeleland Warriors. Highlanders, meanwhile, slipped to fifth place on eight points after the defeat.
Despite the convincing scoreline, OMs head coach Paradzai Matsika, admitted his side needed time to settle after a recent break, though he was pleased with their second half response.
“I’m happy. We’re coming from a break, so we were expecting the guys to be a bit scrappy,” Matsika said. “But they came through. In the second half we started playing more fluent rugby. There are some things we need to work on, but overall, proud of the boys.
“In this game we were looking at different combinations. For the next game I think we’ll also change it around a little bit, work on other combinations and see what comes out. Happy with the progress we’re making.”
Highlanders coach Silethokuhle “Slater” Ndlovu, found encouragement in his young squad’s performance, even in defeat.
“Playing against the defending champions is never easy, but my boys played very well considering these are young guys. The average age should be 19, there were around three of us above age, so I’m happy with the boys,” said Ndlovu.
“We stood our ground, so it’s a great achievement because they (OMs) had promised us a serious walloping, but they scored 45 so we can’t really complain that much. We’ll try and keep this young squad, make them gel and next year we’ll be good enough to hold the bull by its horns.”
While OMs continue to set the pace, Matabeleland Warriors returned to winning form with a 37-5 victory over Bulldogs. Warriors remain second, while the struggling Bulldogs stay anchored to the bottom with just one point from six outings.
Elsewhere in the men’s championship, Mahogany Bulls bagged their second win of the season, beating Western Suburbs Panthers 17-5. The Bulls climbed to fourth with 11 points, while Panthers hold onto third with 15.
In the women’s league, Warriors edged Bulldogs 7-5 in a tense affair, and Panthers cruised to a 27-0 shutout of Matabeleland Lions.
Warriors top the standings with 19 points from four wins in five matches. Lions are second with 12 points from two victories, while Panthers and Bulldogs are tied on 11, separated only by points difference. Highlanders round out the table with five points.
— @brandon_malvin
