adminThe result left Western Panthers needing an outright win against Old Miltonians in their last group match to advance to the final of the competition.
Western Panthers are at the top of the log with seven points from their two matches and lead Busters who are tied on six points with Old Miltonians.
Old Miltonians got a bonus point following their easy 36-14 victory over Bulldogs.
George Mukorera, Western Panthers’ gaffer, said his charges would have to be at their best if they are to make it to the final.
He said they are expecting a tough game against their perennial rivals Old Miltonians.
“It’s game on and looking at our weekend result I think we fared well against a strong Busters and pulling a draw is a good achievement for us. The boys are beginning to understand our game plan to defend and attack as a team.
“I am happy with the weekend’s performance considering that we did not train because of the rains. Old Miltonians are a good side and I am sure they are going to give us a good run for our money. We beat them in the final of the Zimbo Under-20 Cup and I’m sure they will want to knock us out of this tournament but we are ready for them,” Mukorera said.
The Western Panthers coach has been banking on his National Rugby League players Irvine ‘Bhuda’ Nduwa, Ntandoyenkosi Ndlovu, Lwazi Phulu and Tarisai Sibanda who are his game breakers.
Old Miltonians on the other hand also have a number of brilliant up-and-coming players in the form of wing player Mduduzi Nlegbwa Dube who is a former Plumtree High School student, heavily built Tawanda Mhora and scrumhalf Sean Motsi.
Ex-national team player Theo Weale who is now in charge of Old Miltonians was content with the victory against Bulldogs.
“We should have hit those guys by a bigger score line. I think lack of training had an effect on our boys but I believe we should work hard ahead of our next game which is a do-or-die encounter against Western Panthers,” said Weale.
As for Busters, they are almost guaranteed a final place berth as they will take on struggling Bulldogs in their last qualifying game next Saturday.
Results
Saturday: Western Panthers 14, Busters 14; Bulldogs 14, Old Miltonians 36
Log
P W D L F A Pts
Western Panthers 2 1 1 0 87 14 7
Busters 2 1 1 0 34 33 6
Old Miltonians 2 1 0 1 55 34 6
Bulldogs 2 0 0 2 14 109 0
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