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An epic battle pitting Western Panthers and Busters is on this afternoon at Hartsfield Stadium in the second round of the Zimbo Under-21 Rugby Cup.Western Panthers are the defending champions while Busters are two-time winners of the pre-season competition having been crowned champions in 2011 and 2012.
Both teams go into the match with their heads high as they recorded crucial results in the opening week with Western Panthers mauling Bulldogs 61-0 while Busters were held to a 34-34 draw by 2010 champions Old Miltonians.
Busters will be out to revenge having lost in last year’s final. Sean Robinson, Busters’ coach, said they would approach the match with caution as their opponents were hard to beat.
“We have prepared hard for the competition but I must say Western Panthers played well last weekend and we have to be very careful on Saturday. They have a good coach and good players but we are ready to take them on.
“We want to retain the title and this means us beating the defending champions. My boys understand that this is their chance to win this tournament and they know that doing well during the Zimbo Cup will enhance their chances of making it into the provincial team,” said Robinson.
The Zimbo Cup, which runs for four weeks, is being used to select players that will represent Bulawayo at the Inter-provincial competition set for March in the city.
Western Panthers coach George Mukorera said his charges were ready to defend their title.
“Busters have in the past given us some torrid time but we are ready for them. We beat them at last year’s final and we are going to collect maximum points on Saturday.
“We respect them just like any other club but the boys who are keen on impressing selectors have promised to crush Busters,” Mukorera said.
Fixtures
Today: Old Miltonians v Bulldogs (2pm), Busters v Western Panthers (4pm) (both matches at Harstfield)
Online Reporter