Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
FORMER champions Matabeleland Warriors proved to be a class above Highlanders in week four of the 2025 Bulawayo Metropolitan Rugby Football Board (BMRFB) Archer Clothing Rugby League at Hartsfield Rugby Grounds on Saturday.
Defending champions Old Miltonians (OMs), on the other hand, cruised past Western Suburbs Panthers.
The week that precedes the eagerly anticipated derby saw Warriors put up a spirited performance, securing a 89-8 win over Highlanders while OMs, who suffered injury setbacks in the encounter, won their match against Panthers 36-5.
Both teams are undefeated in the opening four weeks of the league building up to this coming Saturday’s derby.
Speaking after their crushing win, Warriors manager Melford Matarirano, who had his team leading 50-5 at the break, said he is proud of how his side fared.
“We came to this match fully prepared with the spirit of winning. We give credit to Highlanders for giving us a good game, it wasn’t just an easy match. It was a good game and our boys managed to get their set plays right as we had practiced,” said Matarirano.
Highlanders head coach Silethokuhle “Slater” Ndlovu said experience made the difference as they were using a youthful side with some of the boys playing their first ever competitive club rugby match.
“Playing against a big club like that with new faces was always going to be a challenge. Some of our regulars, about six or seven, were unavailable so we ended up using youngsters who have never played senior rugby.
“Worse all, playing against an experienced side like Warriors, it’s always going to be difficult. If we had our full squad, it could have gone either way. But, our biggest defeat was that we had no players,” said Ndlovu.
He added that stage fright got to some of the players.
“They were too scared. Every time they (Warriors) ran the ball from the scrum to the winger it was a try. It was also a try from any set piece. Lack of experience was at play, the boys looked scared and it was going to be tough. But, it’s one of those games, the second leg will be a different story,” he said.
After watching his side secure yet another victory, maintaining their perfect run in their title defense, OMs gaffer Paradzai Matsika said he is happy with the progress his side is making.
“It’s a win, but unfortunately the game didn’t finish. I am seeing progress in the things that we have been trying to work on. I can’t be too disappointed. Unfortunately, new problems are popping up, we fix some problems and some pop up. But, we have time, we can fix them,” said Matsika.
He added: “We started the game against Panthers a bit scrappy but as we got in there, the guys started clicking, so I am fairly happy with what we saw.”
Panthers head coach, George “Rollo” Mukorera said there is work that still needs to be done.
“We need to work on our defense especially on the breakdowns. We played with heavies and we also need to work on our scrums and get the right technique from there,” said Mukorera.
In other matches played on Saturday, Mahogany Bulls secured a hard fought 17-5 win over Bulldogs. The result meant that Bulldogs are still yet to taste victory this season.
In the women’s championship, Highlanders proved strong for Matabeleland Lions with a 12-5 win while Warriors beat Panthers 19-5.
Action continues this coming Saturday with entertaining matches lined up. — @brandon_malvin.
