Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, [email protected]
AFTER the completion of round three of matches this past weekend, Panthers and Highlanders continue to set the pace at the top of the 2025 Bulawayo Metropolitan Rugby Football Board (BMRFB) Archer Clothing Under-20 league log standings.
Both sides are enjoying a good run so far in the campaign, winning their three opening matches. Only the score (points scored) difference separates them at the top of the log.
Panthers are occupying the top spot with 14 points (plus two bonus points) with a score difference of 137 while Highlanders are keeping up with the race, also on 14 points (plus two bonus points) with a score difference of 113.
The log leaders, Panthers registered a commanding 66-5 mauling of Bulldogs this past round of games while the black and white army made light work of Matabeleland Lions, comfortably winning 43-0 to keep up the pace at the top.
Christian Brothers College (CBC) Hornets registered their second victory of the season with a 33-5 win over Plumtree High’s “Amabhubesi”. Hornets sit in third place on the standings with eleven points (plus three bonus points).
In fourth place, are the defending champions, Old Miltonians (OMs) who made it two out of two with a 17-8 derby win over Matabeleland Warriors.
The victory took OMs to nine points (one bonus point) from two games, four ahead of Warriors who have five points (one bonus point) and are sitting in fifth place.
With one bonus point, Plumtree sits at number six on the log standings while Bulldogs and Lions are in position seven and eight respectively.
In the women’s division, Bulldogs enjoy a good run with two wins from two outings. They have nine points (one bonus) and enjoy a five-point gap ahead of Panthers who beat Highlanders 12-0 this past week.
Panthers are on four points while Highlanders have naught.
There are a number of exciting matches lined up for match week four.
OMs are scheduled to face Bulldogs in a 12.40PM match followed by a Warriors and Lions clash at 1.50PM. Highlanders will go on to face Plumtree in a game slated for 3PM before the headlining match of the day between Panthers and Hornets gets underway at 5PM.
In the women’s division, Highlanders will be up against Plumtree at noon while Bulldogs will face Panthers at 4.10PM.
The Under-20 league serves as the traditional rugby season opener. After the end of the campaign, there is the Unforgettable Milton Rugby Festival which is slated for April 11 to 12 at Hartsfield Rugby Grounds.
A total of 18 schools will compete at the schools tournament which will feature boys’ and girls’ matches in what promises to be an exhilarating two-day rugby extravaganza. – @brandon_malvin
