Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, [email protected]
WESTERN Suburbs Panthers’ dream start to the 2025 Bulawayo Metropolitan Rugby Football Board (BMRFB) Archer Clothing Under-20 League continued this past weekend as they secured their fifth consecutive win.
The Panthers registered another hard-fought one-point victory, defeating Matabeleland Warriors 11-10, making it five out of five and maintaining their pole position at the top of the table. They have 22 points (with two bonus points).
They enjoy a four-point lead over defending champions Old Miltonians (OMs), who have 18 points (with two bonus points) and have played one game fewer. OMs have also been relentless in their title defence, winning four out of the four matches they have played. Their latest victory was against Highlanders, whom they beat 8-0.
In other matches at Hartsfield Rugby Grounds on Saturday, Plumtree High School Amabhubesi proved too strong for Bulldogs, winning 49-0. In the ladies’ division, Highlanders and Bulldogs played to a goalless draw, while the Panthers’ women’s team edged Plumtree 17-12.
The headlining match of the day was an intra-squad clash between Bulawayo Probables and Possibles, which the former won 25-20. This match was part of the selection process for the provincial team for the fourth edition of the Nedbank Rugby Challenge, set to take place later this month.
Speaking after the conclusion of match week five, the high-flying Panthers’ coach, Busani Ncube, acknowledged that there were areas for improvement.
“We are still not there yet. It’s still scrappy. We might have been winning, but I am not impressed with the performance.
“On Saturday, our attack wasn’t on point, and neither was our back-line. We never have an easy game, but the boys will have to keep pushing forward. This time, we were just not there.
“We were lucky to get away with it,” said Ncube.
With the Panthers and OMs occupying first and second positions, respectively, Highlanders are in third place with 14 points, while CBC Hornets are in fourth with 12 points. Plumtree, following their second consecutive victory, moved up to sixth place with 11 points, tied with Warriors in seventh. Plumtree has a superior points difference.
Bulldogs and Matabeleland Lions anchor the standings with zero points each.
In the women’s league, Bulldogs continue to dominate with 16 points from four matches (three wins and one draw).
They are followed by the Panthers on nine points and Highlanders on six. Plumtree are at the bottom of the standings with two points.
Action continues this coming weekend, with fixtures yet to be announced.
BMRFB Archer Clothing Under-20 League Week 5 Results at a glance
Plumtree 49-0 Bulldogs
Panthers 11-10 Warriors, Old Miltonians 8-0 Highlanders, Bulawayo Probables 25-20 Bulawayo Possibles.
Women’s results
Bulldogs 0-0 Highlanders, Panthers 17-12 Plumtree. – @brandon_malvin
