Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, [email protected]
WESTERN Suburbs’ fairytale run in the 2025 Bulawayo Metropolitan Rugby Football Board (BMRFB) Archer Clothing Under-20 Rugby League continued with a dramatic come-from-behind 24-21 victory over defending champions Old Miltonians (OMs) at Hartsfield Rugby Grounds on Saturday.
It was a high-stakes game between the two title-chasing sides, both unbeaten, going into match-week six. Panthers held their nerve to stage a remarkable comeback in the second half, securing their sixth consecutive win while handing OMs their first defeat in five matches.
The match went into the half-time break with OMs leading 14-0. However, a revitalised Panthers side came out in the second half to score four tries (two successful conversions), while their opponents only managed to score in the dying stages of the match, giving Panthers a 24-21 victory.
Following Saturday’s win, Panthers remain the only team yet to taste defeat in the Under-20 league and now enjoy an eight-point lead at the top of the standings.
Panthers coach, George “Rollo” Mukorera, said they had to adapt their tactics early on and bring in some reinforcements to compete with OMs.
“It was a tough game. We started with the juniors, but they weren’t pulling their weight, so we had to bring in more experienced players. These are the guys who changed the complexion of the game. They had heavy scrums, and we had to utilise that, which is why we brought in some big guys to mobilise them, as they were quite physical up front,” said Mukorera.
He added that if they are to go all the way, discipline must be a priority.
“It’s all about discipline and attitude if they want to win. These boys can make it if they continue training as a team; this is a youthful side,” he said.
In other matches played on Saturday, Bulldogs secured their first victory of the season with a 20-12 win over Matabeleland Lions, while Christian Brothers College (CBC) Hornets proved too strong for Highlanders, claiming a 28-10 victory.
In the women’s division, Panthers secured a hard-fought 12-10 win over Highlanders in the only match played on the day.
There was also a second provincial selection team match between the Probables and Possibles, with the latter emerging victorious 25-15. These matches are used to select a provincial team for the 2025 Nedbank Rugby Challenge in Harare.
Meanwhile, Pitbulls and FS Raiders were crowned champions in the 2025 Harare Province Paramount Garments Under-20 men’s and women’s Leagues, respectively, on Saturday.
In the women’s final, FS Raiders displayed sheer dominance, triumphing over Zimbiru U-20 with a commanding 30-15 victory.
The Pitbulls, ever steadfast and unyielding, claimed yet another title, defeating long-time rivals Old Hararians 33-17 in the grand finale of the day. With this triumph, they have now claimed eight championships out of nine since the league’s inception. — @brandon_malvin
