Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, [email protected]
ZIMBABWE Rugby Union (ZRU) president Losson Mtongwiza has lauded the Bulawayo Metropolitan Rugby Football Board (BMRFB) Archer Clothing Under-20 league, following the completion of the third round of matches at Hartsfield Rugby Grounds on Saturday afternoon.
Mtongwiza attended the rugby event on derby day, where the highlight of the day was the highly anticipated clash between defending champions Old Miltonians (OMs) and Matabeleland Warriors Under-20 sides.
The ZRU president was impressed by the standard of play on display and praised the province for organising such competitive matches.
“The quality of rugby was very impressive, it’s very good. I would say I was very impressed by CBC and Old Miltonians, but not to say that the other teams that didn’t win the games didn’t play well — these guys stood out. It’s good to see that there are so many competitive games that the province can put together in one weekend,” said Mtongwiza.
OMs clinched victory in the season’s first derby, defeating their rivals 17-8, marking their second consecutive win in the defence of their title.
Mtongwiza also took the opportunity to meet with provincial leadership ahead of the upcoming visit by the Australian Under-20 side, Outback Barbarians, in March. The visitors are scheduled to face the Junior Sables on March 19 at Hartsfield Rugby Grounds.
He added that they have significant plans for Hartsfield, aiming to make it the focal point of rugby in the region.
“I’m very happy to be here. I thought I’d take the opportunity to come through, watch the derby, and see the preparedness for the 19th of March game where we are playing the Australian Outback Under-20 team. I also came to see the structures, see what they are doing, spend time with them, and continue to grow the game, which is exactly what our plan is as a union.
“We want to grow the game, we want to bring in different games to Hartsfield, and we want Hartsfield to go back to being the home of rugby. I am very happy with what I saw. Obviously, things can improve. I am looking forward to a bit more improvement on the infrastructure, to make sure we are ready for the first engagement on March 19 and also the style of play. It’s early days, but the fact that there are people coming out, and there are all these players coming out, is very impressive,” said Mtongwiza.
He further stated, “The support from the schools is very impressive, and I am very happy that the board managed to convince the schools that are here to come in and take part in this Under-20 programme. This is how you grow the game, and if they continue like this, definitely, better days are coming.”
As for the match results, OMs secured the bragging rights in the derby, while Panthers maintained their unbeaten run with a dominant 66-5 victory over Bulldogs. Highlanders kept up the pressure with a convincing 43-0 bonus point win over Matabeleland Lions. CBC Hornets also notched up their second win of the season, defeating Plumtree High 35-0.
In the women’s division, Panthers triumphed over Highlanders 12-0.
With three wins on the trot, Panthers sit at the top of the standings with 14 points, tied with Highlanders. The two teams are separated only by score difference. Hornets are in third with 11 points, while OMs are fourth with nine points. Warriors are in fifth place with five points, followed by Plumtree with one. Bulldogs and Lions are at the bottom with zero points.
In the women’s standings, Bulldogs lead with nine points, while Panthers and Highlanders have four and zero points, respectively.
The Under-20 league serves as the traditional rugby season opener. – — @brandon_malvin
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