OMs beat Mat Warriors in Under-21 Rugby Cup

The Sunday News

Munashe Mabvudza (with ball in hand) of Old Miltonians with the aid of a teammate tries to power his way past a Matabeleland Warriors opponent during a Bulawayo Under-21 Rugby Cup match played at Hartsfield Rugby

Senior Sports Reporter
Matabeleland Warriors Under-21…………… (12) 12
Old Miltonians Under-21…………..…………..(5) 13
IN what was a closely contested match, Old Miltonians Under-21 fought back to defeat their Matabeleland Warriors counterparts in the Bulawayo Under-21 Cup fixture at Hartsfield Rugby Ground yesterday.

Lookout Mpala and Munashe Mabvudza scored the two unconverted tries for OMs while Jimias Masuku booted in a penalty goal which ensured that the Paradzai Matsika coached OMs triumphed. Warriors had led at halftime break through tries by Emmanuel Ojuku and Mbongeni Sibanda with one conversion by Enrique Ndlovu.

In the second half, Warriors had two tries disallowed for various infringements by referee Shemeah Mushiribindi. OMs took full advantage of that with Masuku’s kick giving them a one point lead and subsequently the victory.

Highlanders Panthers made a brilliant start to the tournament they won last year with an emphatic 52-0 thumping handed out to Bulldogs in an earlier match. Panthers scored eight tries and six conversions while their defence was never breached.

Simbarashe Dangah, the tournament director said the Matabeleland Rugby Football Board in partnership with Zimbo, Theodore Weale and Unforgettable are some of the sponsors of the pre-season competition. Dangah said they have various partners who have sponsored the tournament, the main cup, individual prizes and the participating teams.

The tournament continues with preliminary round of fixtures set for 14 and 21 January, the semi-finals on 28 January and the finals on 4 February.

@Mdawini_29