Unam edge out win against unrewarded Grootfontein

The first team of FNB University of Namibia were made to work hard before winning their home match in the Namibia Rugby Union’s premier league against FNB Grootfontein on Saturday.

Unam won 29-24, despite finding themselves behind 0-17 within the first 13 minutes of the first half.

Grootfontein’s forwards worked their way up to the tryline for scrumhalf Dhaamin Bassardien to score the first five-pointer with a sniping finish from close range. Right wing Unoél Marais converted, before the northern visitors got another penalty within range which fullback AJ Vercuil converted.

Grootfontein again found themselves with an attacking lineout throw and worked the phases for flank Martinus Nekundi to stretch over the line for a try. Vercuil kicked the two points (17-0).

The slow start by Unam was worsened by two kick-offs that went directly into touch, while Grootfontein’s kickers for touch took advantage of the breeze pushing from behind into the southwestern corner of the field.

A strong linebreak by Unam outside centre Lesley Klim after 20 minutes sparked the first proper opportunity for the home side, which earned them the field position to force a five-metre scrum feed from where number 8 Handre Bezuidenhout sent fullback Aljarreau Zaahl over unmarked. Zaahl failed with the conversion attempt.

Grootfontein followed their proven recipe upfield, winning ruck possession on the goalline before sending out a long pass to the left for Vercuil’s try, which Marais converted.

The halftime deficit reduced to 12-24 for Unam, when flank Bjorn Kazondunge scored from a close range lineout, for Zaahl to convert.

Three valuable points went begging for Grootfontein shortly after the restart when Marais sent a straightforward penalty past the left upright.

Unam applied the pressure, forcing an attacking lineout with a long throw and a planned move from which Handre Bezuidenhout barged over, with Zaahl’s conversion lifting them to 19-24.

Grootfontein’s nr. 8 Johan Luttig was yellow-carded after 57 minutes, with Zaahl adding a penalty four minutes later.

It took a big effort from Unam to create the winning try, earning a scrum feed close to the goalline before a swift move to put left wing Quirione Majiedt over. Taking the lead for the first time after 75 minutes, Zaahl converted (29-24).

Grootfontein surged upfield with determination, with Unam’s scrumhalf Bronwon Willemse getting a yellow card in the process.

Off the last play on referee Henrico du Plessis’ watch, Grootfontein took a tapped penalty from five metres out, with an overlap opportunity appearing on the left. However, Unam replacement scrumhalf AJ Kearns shot up fast in defence to force a knock-on from Grootfontein flank Oliver Mouton, to end the match.

For Grootfontein, it was another painfully narrow loss in an away match after a valiant effort, while they also scored only three tries instead of the four which would have earned them another point besides the bonus for losing by a margin within seven.

Unam’s comeback not only brought them the four log points for the win, but also a bonus point for four tries. They have taken over the lead from FNB Wanderers, who had a bye weekend.



At Swakopmund

At the bottom of the log, FNB Western Suburbs (eighth) and Simonis Storm Dolphin (ninth) met at Swakopmund, with Suburbs on the winning side 22-8.

Suburbs’ only other wins this season were in Windhoek, against Dolphin as well as a 24-23 surprise against FNB Kudus three weekends ago.

It was not easy for Jacky Bock’s Khomasdal team as they led 12-5 at halftime and scored just three tries, by veteran Justin Nel (fullback), centre Darryl Vries en wing Dumarcho Hartung, who was sent on from the bench. Rudi Pretorius played flyhalf, kicking two conversion along with a Nel penalty.

Former FNB Wanderers and FNB Rehoboth wing Elmarco Beukes, who recently returned from a short stint with RC Lechia Gdansk in Poland’s Ekstraliga, made his Suburbs debut as a replacement.

Dolphin, who had already conceded 382 points by the end of the first round of the NRU premier league, appears to have shored up their defence in recent outings. On the attack they had one try by captain and flank Romario Janga and a penalty by flyhalf Kenan Walters to show for their efforts.



Quiet weekend at Rehoboth

An injury list that had stretched to 14 players during their recent march into the top four, forced FNB Reho Falcon to request a postponement of their scheduled home fixture against Trustco United.

“Player welfare became a concern, as we had too many players unavailable after a bunch of weekends without a rest. The fixture against United was initially scheduled for 13 July, but was moved forward in order not to clash with Namibia’s home test against Portugal.”

FNB Rehoboth’s match against FNB Kudus was also postponed at the request of the Walvis Bay side, who had already travelled inland the previous two weekends. New dates for the postponed fixtures have not been announced yet.