OMs, Panthers in Under-21 cup final

Old Miltonians Under-21 …….......………… (5) 15 Bulldogs Under-21….....…………….........……….0 OLD Miltonians booked their place in the Matabeleland Rugby Football Board run Bulawayo Under-21 Cup final with victory over Bulldogs in a scrappy encounter played at Hartsfield Rugby Ground yesterday.

Three tries, all of them unconverted gave OMs, who had a bye last Saturday, victory over Bulldogs, who have not won a match in the tournament.

Rodwell Munyikwa handed OMs a 5-0 lead heading into half-time with an unconverted try. Innocent Ncube and Adolf Johwa scored a try each in the second half with both tries not converted.

In what should be a concern for the MRFB, the match between OMs and Bulldogs had its kick-off delayed by almost an hour because the two teams did not have match balls.

Tournament director Simbarashe Dangah had to quickly drive to his house to fetch the balls for the match to go ahead.

OMs will play last year’s winners Highlanders Panthers in the final at Hartsfield on 4 February.

Panthers were not in action yesterday as their fixture against Nyambosi was called off because their opponents were reportedly involved in an accident on their way to the match venue.

Dangah said the last round of fixtures which was supposed to take place on Saturday have been called off since most of the players want to travel to Harare to watch the two matches involving South African Super Rugby sides at the National Sports Stadium on the same day.

MRFB, in a joint venture with Zimbo, Theodore Weale and Unforgettable are some of the bankrollers of the pre-season competition. According to Dangah, various partners have sponsored the tournament, the main cup, individual prizes and the participating teams.