Under-20 rugby season kicks off

AFTER a two-week delay, the highly anticipated Bulawayo Metropolitan Rugby Football Board (BMRFB) Under-20 rugby league is finally set to commence on Saturday at Hartsfield Rugby Grounds.

The league was initially scheduled to start on January 25 but was postponed due to logistical reasons, according to tournament director, George Hlatshwayo.

“The Under-20 league was temporarily put on hold due to logistical issues. This setback, however, gave clubs more time to prepare their teams and other teams an opportunity to confirm their participation,” Hlatshwayo explained.

The postponement has not affected the participating teams, with seven men’s teams and three women’s teams confirming their participation.

Defending champions Old Miltonians (OMs) will face stiff competition from Matabeleland Warriors, Highlanders, Bulldogs, Panthers and Matabeleland Lions from Gwanda.

In the women’s division, Panthers, Highlanders and Bulldogs have confirmed their participation, along with school team, Christian Brothers College (CBC) Hornets, who won the championship in 2023.

The tournament will also feature additional school teams, with Milton Elephants, Petra Spartans, Gifford Stingers and Founders High School invited to participate.

Following the conclusion of the Under-20 league, the Archer Clothing Rugby League will commence, with OMs defending their title after a thrilling victory over the Warriors in last year’s final.

The first half of the league games will be played on the Hartsfield Rugby Grounds B Field, as the main field undergoes maintenance.

The opening round fixtures for the BMRFB Under-20 league are yet to be released.
Meanwhile, Pitbulls registered the highest margin victory in the third round of the Paramount Garments Under-20 league in Harare at the weekend.

They mauled Marondera Talons 67-3 while Zambezi Steelers edged Zimburu Titans 45-0. Old Georgians beat Northern Chiefs 55-15.

In the biggest match of week three of action, Old Hararians secured the bragging rights after a hard-fought 12-10 win over foes, Harare Sports Club. — @brandon_malvin