By ELIAS CHIPEPO –

THE 2014 Buildcon-Zambia Rugby Union (ZRU) national league skirmishes return today after a two-week break with champions Red Arrows hoping to maintain top slot on the log.

Prior to the break, Arrows had opened a point advantage over second-placed ‘Men At Work’ Diggers, who are on 12 points, and the airmen seemingly have an easy tie against promoted side Nkwazi to maintain the status quo.

Diggers make a trip to Kabwe where the former champions will need to be at their best to overcome a stubborn Green Eagles while ‘Powerhouse’ Lusaka will seek to bounce back to winning ways away to Chibuluma as Green Buffaloes host Roan in the other Week Four fixture.

Arrows v Nkwazi

Arrows will be eyeing a fourth consecutive win when they host an unpredictable Nkwazi in a match that the Zambia Air Force (ZAF) sponsored side should have no difficulties in winning.

A bonus point would be welcomed by Arrows as they seek to consolidate their stay at the helm of the table and retain the league title. But Arrows will need to be wary of a Nkwazi side that stunned Lusaka 14-13 at their home turf in the last fixture.

Eagles v Diggers

Morale should still be high in the Diggers camp after winning the MTN American Cup two weeks ago but the players will quickly need to put their energies together to beat Eagles and keep pace with Arrows.

While Diggers have won their opening four matches, Eagles have suffered three straight defeats since their opening Week One 28-8 win over Buffaloes on March 8 and thus need to win this match to get their title chase back on track.

Chibuluma v Lusaka

Coach Joshua Lungu will be hoping for a good performance from his charges after Week Three shock defeat to Nkwazi when they guest winless Chibuluma in Kalulushi.

Lusaka on eight points need to win this match if their title campaign is to get back on track and will be hoping results elsewhere go in favour to close up the gap with the leading pack.

Buffaloes v Roan

Roan travel to Lusaka still searching for a win this season and face a Buffaloes side that has had a difficult start to the season.

Should the Luanshya side manage to make the trip, it will be the first time they will be doing so after failing to fulfil a Week One fixture against Lusaka.