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Takudzwa Chitsiga Sports Reporter
THE 2019 Harare Rugby League Under-21 Championships will get underway this Saturday with several matches lined up for round one and defending champions Pitbulls expected to continue with their dominance.
The Churchill High School-based side will open their campaign with a tough encounter against arch-rivals Harare Sports Club in their backyard at the Nigel Phillips Fields. The Pitbulls are high on confidence after they managed to clinch the 2018 Harare Province Exide Sevens Rugby Series championship despite losing their last match 19-40 to XP Horns at Belgravia Sports Club in November. Harare Rugby League has two groups – A and B – where the teams will play in a round-robin format in the group stages which will culminate in the semi-finals and later the finals.
Harare Rugby Board secretary Shingi Vere said they are excited after an increase in the number of teams which have confirmed their participation in this year’s edition. “This year we are excited to have both a men and women draw at Under-21 level. We expect another exciting, tough and entertaining competition through to the finals.
“This year the men’s draw will feature 16 teams, up from 14, with the inclusion of Mutare Sports Club and Chitungwiza-based Southern City.
Under-21 Championship Fixtures
XP Horns v Domboshava (Belgravia); Mabvuku v Ancient City (Belgravia Sports Club) University of Zimbabwe v Mutare (Belgravia Sports Club); XP Horns v Mufakose (Belgravia Sports Club); Alex Sports Club v Chitungwiza (Nigel Phillips); Chitungwiza v Hatcliffe (Nigel Phillips); Pitbulls v Harare Sports Club (Nigel Phillips); Mbare Select v Old Hararians (Old Hararians Sports Club) Mbare v Southern City (Old Hararians Sports Club); Yadah v Old Georgians (Old Hararians Sports Club); Old Hararians v Alex (Old Hararians Sports Club).
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