The University of Namibia (UNAM) and Wanderers Rugby Clubs stormed into the finals of the 2022 Rugby Namibia Premier League following hard-fought victories on Saturday.
At the coast, runaway league leaders Kudus lost at home in the first semi-final match to UNAM by an 18-23 scoreline.
UNAM scored two tries through Oderich Mouton and substitute Delron Brandt, with Lorenzo Luis and Aljarreau Zaahl converting them.
Zaahl also slotted in three penalties to power his side to the finals, while Kudus scored two tries through captain Cameroon Langenhoven and Joshua Jacobs
Substitute Rayton Paulse converted one and scored a penalty, while Chad Plato also added three points from the penalty.
In the capital, Wanderers and Rehoboth produced an action-packed match, which saw the hosts prevailing 31-29 to play in the other semi-final match.
Wanderers scored four tries through Obert Nortje, Andre van der Berg, Nico Maartens and Jacques Theron, with Van der Berg converting one try and three penalties
For Rehoboth, Cliven Loubser scored two tries, converted one of them and scoring one penalty.
Scrum-half Miguel Busch scored four penalties and one conversion, as his side narrowly lost out on a place in the finals.
Wanderers coach said Rohan Kitshoff said it was a tough match for his team as Rehoboth made it difficult for them to play their expansive rugby.
“I am just relieved that we got away with a win. We knew it was going to be a tough semi-final match. We now have to work hard in the next two weeks to get things right in the final. Certain things let us down today like lack of concentration from the guys,” he said.
Rehoboth coach, Gerhard Loubser, said his team started slowly, which gave their opponents a good time to build up a decent scoreline.
“The boys did a very good recovery and the match could have gone to any side. There are a few mistakes by the officials which could have changed the game. We will be back again next year,” he said.
In the reserve league, Wanderers will play Rehoboth in the final, and the first division final will see Ocean Swallow from Lüderitz playing defending champions Sparta from Walvis Bay.
In the women’s final, Rehoboth Ladies will play Wanderers.
The 2022 rugby finals are scheduled for 03 September at the Hage Geingob Stadium.
Source: The Namibian Press Agency
