Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
RUGBY fans are in for a big weekend as the Archer Clothing Rugby League roars back at Hartsfield Rugby Grounds this Saturday, with knockout clashes set to decide who goes all the way.
After a one-week breather at the end of the round robin phase, five matches will headline the Bulawayo Metropolitan Rugby Football Board (BMRFB) play offs, including women’s and men’s semi-finals and placement games.
Tournament director and BMRFB secretary George Hlatshwayo told Zimpapers Sports Hub the short break was meant to recharge teams before the crucial stage.
“After we concluded the round robin matches, we decided to have a one week break so that teams get some time to rest and re-energise ahead of an important phase in the league,” he said. “We had no matches this past weekend but action returns this coming Saturday. Once again, it will be fireworks and high intense rugby action. All the teams competing are hungry for success and I am sure they will all bring their best whether in the semi-finals or finals.
“Therefore, we call on all rugby loving people and sport people in general to come out in their numbers and rally behind their teams as we have reached an important stage in our season. We wish the best of luck to all the teams that will be playing.”
The women’s semi-finals open the day’s programme. At 12pm, table-topping Matabeleland Warriors face Bulldogs before Highlanders meet Western Suburbs Panthers at 12:30pm.
The men’s matches follow, starting with a fifth place playoff at 1pm between Highlanders and Bulldogs. At 2:30pm, former champions Matabeleland Warriors meet third placed Western Suburbs Panthers in the first semi-final.
The day’s final act brings the defending champions, Old Miltonians (OMs), against Mahogany Bulls at 4pm. OMs, unbeaten after nine round robin games, will look to keep their title defence intact. They won eight and drew once in a run that underlined their intent to remain the team to beat.
BMRFB Archer Rugby League Play-Off Fixtures
Ladies: Warriors vs Bulldogs (12pm); Highlanders vs Panthers (12.30pm)
Men: Highlanders vs Bulldogs (1pm – Fifth Place Final); Warriors vs Panthers (2.30pm – Semi-Final); Old Miltonians vs Mahogany Bulls (4pm – Semi-Final)
— @brandon_malvin
