Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
OLD Miltonians and Matabeleland Warriors produced a gripping 28-28 draw in the second edition of this year’s Bulawayo derby, leaving both coaches pleased with their teams’ grit but ruing missed chances at Hartsfield on Saturday.
The clash lived up to its billing. OMs fluffed a last-gasp penalty that could have sealed the win, while Warriors missed a late conversion that might have tilted the contest their way. In the end, the scoreboard stayed locked, and bragging rights were shared.
OMs coach Paradzai Matsika admitted the game left him almost lost for words, praising the quality of the rugby and the impact of his younger players.
“This was a good game; it had a bit of everything. There were some errors, some costly errors, but it’s a derby, it’s what was to be expected, the nerves will be high, tough situations and playing under pressure.
We should have won it, but mistakes happened; it was a good game for both teams. Warriors had a good game. We had a good game.
“Entertaining stuff, it leaves you speechless. Lots of good play, some of the younger guys came through, they played a big role. Warriors gave us a good match, but for now, it’s back to the drawing board, reset and get ready for the play-offs,” said Matsika.
Unbeaten in the round robin stage, OMs now switch focus to the semi-finals on September 6.
Warriors coach Gilbert Nyamutsamba struck a similar tone, pointing to the intensity of the match and the developmental benefits for provincial rugby.
“It shows that both teams really wanted it; it was highly competitive, which is good for the province. If we can have more of these high-intensity games, it actually gets better for the provincial players. I am happy with the score, looking forward to the semi-finals and hopefully make the finals and I am sure the result in the final will be different.
“We came into the game wanting a win but what we were looking for more of was player performances and I was happy with the way the guys played; they played much better than the last time we faced OMs. As they say in football, the ball is round and in rugby, it’s even worse, it’s oval; anything can happen. Good result,” he said.
The game itself swung back and forth. Warriors struck first with an early 6-0 lead, only for OMs to storm back with two converted tries, taking a 20-13 lead into the break. The champions added another try in the second half but missed the extras, while Warriors ran in two tries of their own, converting just once. Penalties filled in the gaps as the contest tightened in the final minutes.
Elsewhere, Western Suburbs Panthers crushed Bulldogs 57-21, while Mahogany Bulls beat Highlanders 28-3.
With the round robin stage concluded, OMs top the standings with 41 points from nine games, just two clear of Warriors on 39. Panthers sit third on 26, followed by Mahogany Bulls on 21. Highlanders finish fifth with 13, while Bulldogs prop up the table with a single point.
In the women’s league, Warriors blanked Highlanders 21-0 and Panthers edged Bulldogs 20-5. Warriors lead the standings with 32 points, while Highlanders are second with 18. Panthers and Bulldogs are tied on 17 but separated by points difference, while Lions sit bottom with 12.
The knockout phase begins September 6 with semi-finals and placement matches. — @brandon_malvin
