Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub

BULAWAYO Metropolitan Rugby Football Board (BMRFB) defending champions Old Miltonians (OMs) and former title holders Matabeleland Warriors flexed their muscles with commanding victories at the weekend, setting the stage for a blockbuster derby this Saturday.

The champions underlined their dominance with a thumping 60–27 triumph over Western Suburbs Panthers, stretching their unbeaten run to eight matches.

The Old Boys are the only side yet to lose this season, a streak that keeps them perched at the top of the table.

Former champions, Warriors, were just as ruthless, crushing Highlanders 56–0 to keep the pressure on their rivals.

The two sides are separated by only two points, with OMs leading on 39 and Warriors close behind on 37.

That narrow gap makes this weekend’s showdown more than just a derby. A win for OMs would widen their cushion at the summit, but if Warriors prevail, they will leapfrog their rivals and seize control as the season edges toward the knockout stages.

Elsewhere, Mahogany Bulls notched their third win of the season with a 22–10 victory over Bulldogs.

The defeat left Bulldogs rooted to the bottom with a single bonus point from nine games. Panthers remain third on 21 points, followed by Bulls with 16. Highlanders slipped to fifth on 13 points while Bulldogs anchor the table.

Saturday’s fixture list also pits Bulls against Highlanders, while Panthers take on Bulldogs.

The women’s championship mirrored the men’s intensity. Warriors edged Panthers 14–5 to stay on top with 28 points from seven matches, having won six and lost once.

Highlanders dominated Lions 37–0 and sit second on 18 points, with Bulldogs third on 17. Panthers and Lions both have 12, but the points difference (-9 against -144) keeps Panthers above their rivals.

Just like the men’s competition, the women’s league also delivers a top-of-the-table clash this Saturday as Warriors square off against Highlanders, while Panthers meet Bulldogs.