DEFENDING champions Pitbulls and fellow title favourites Old Hararians recorded solid victories in the second round of the Paramount Garments Under-20 League yesterday, while Harare Sports Club also registered a comfortable win as the big guns flexed their muscles at Old Hararians Sports Club yesterday.
Pitbulls, who have been a dominant force in local youth rugby competitions further underlined their title credentials with a dominant 41 victory over Old Georgians in the main match of the afternoon.
The Eastlea-based, who began their campaign with a 133-5 win against XP Horns are now perched at the top of the log.
It was also a fruitful afternoon for Old Hararians’ Under-20 side as they maintained their perfect start in the Paramount Garments Under-20 Rugby League with a comfortable 36-10 victory over Northern Chiefs.
After kicking off their campaign with a hard-fought 24-15 win against Old Georgians last weekend, Old Hararians were looking to further underline their title credentials against Northern Chiefs who were also fancying their chances after an 18-7 win against FS Raiders last week.
Led by the exciting fullback Simba Kanyangarara, they took the game to their opponents from the onset with four tries in the opening half while Northern Chiefs were restricted to two penalty conversions.
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Although Chiefs managed to score their only try of the match in the second half, they were simply no match for OH.
Harare Sports Club also picked up their second successive win after dispatching FS Raiders 33-19 while Zimbiru Titans outclassed XP Horns 75-0.
In the second tier competition, Mutare Sports Club bounced back from last week’s defeat against Marondera with a dominant 124-win against Pioneers Rugby Club.
Meanwhile, yesterday’s second round of matches, which were being closely fought came after the tournament received a major boost when Paramount Garments extended their sponsorship package for a further three years.
The leading clothing manufacturing company renewed their contract with Harare Province Rugby in a move which will see them remain as the title sponsors of the ongoing Under-20 League and other senior domestic competitions.
The sponsorship deal is an extension of the initial partnership package from the 2019-2020 season which was largely inactive due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
As part of the sponsorship deal, Paramount has committed to ensuring that matches take place as per the league schedule for the season.
To ensure the safety of players during matches and training sessions, Paramount handed over stadia safety equipment for five stadiums, from field markers to post pads.
The company will also provide funding for referees’ fees and various administration-related costs to ensure all Harare Rugby League games are played at a professional level.
Paramount Garments Under-20 League Week 2 Results
Mabvuku 85-0 Southern City, Pioneers Rugby Club 0-129 Mutare Sports Club, Zimbiru 75-0 XP Horns, Harare Sports Club 33-19 FS Raiders, Old Hararians 36-10 Northern Chiefs, Pitbulls 41-14 Old Georgians