Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
OLD Miltonians and Matabeleland Warriors will renew their fierce rivalry in the final of the 2025 Bulawayo Metropolitan Rugby Football Board Archer Clothing Rugby League next Saturday.
The defending champions OMs battled past Mahogany Bulls 27-13 in a bruising semi final at Hartsfield Rugby Grounds, while the Warriors cruised to a 36-5 victory over Western Suburbs Panthers.
Their wins set up the derby’s third chapter of the season, a clash that promises high drama and intensity.
With the finalists confirmed, the Bulls and Panthers will square off for third place in a game that also carries plenty of pride.
OMs head coach Paradzai Matsika praised his side’s performance but admitted they still have details to fix before the decider.
“First of all, credit to Mahogany Bulls, they gave us a good game. They came and played well. We looked pretty solid most of the time, just a few areas that we need to work on.
“Now we have to get back to the drawing board, look forward to the final and thankfully we have no injuries so we are going into the final with a full strength squad which is good.
“We need to get to the drawing board, fix a few things then look forward to the weekend,” said Matsika.
Despite defeat, Bulls captain Deon McKenzie took pride in his side’s effort, especially as they continue adjusting from sevens to 15s rugby.
“This is our first season playing 15s in a long time, we have been playing Sevens.
“We are going through the changes. I think we lost it on endurance, and OMs are used to this but we did give them a good run.
“We are proud of the boys, from sponsors to the coaching staff and the boys themselves.
“We are not going back to Gweru with tails between our legs, we showed heart, we showed courage up through to the 80th minute so I am proud of the boys,” said McKenzie.
He added that their target now is securing third place.
On the other side, Warriors coach Gilbert Nyamutsamba said his players are already shifting focus to the derby showdown.
“We played well and now focus shifts to the final. The boys did well. We are looking forward to a great final against OMs,” said Nyamutsamba.
Panthers coach Busani Ncube admitted his side came up short but vowed to put up a stronger fight in the third place play off.
Elsewhere in the men’s championship, Highlanders claimed fifth spot with a 27-17 win over Bulldogs.
The women’s league also set up a thriller of its own.
Warriors Ladies brushed aside Bulldogs 17-0, while Panthers edged Highlanders 10-5 to book their place in the final.
Bulldogs and Highlanders will contest third place next Saturday. — @brandon_malvin
