Convincing WHS win over Affies
Schools rugby
Samsung Windhoek High School (WHS) extended their unbeaten run to four matches in the Standard Bank Namibia Secondary Schools Rugby under-19 premier league with a convincing 36-15 victory over Autohaus Windhoek Afrikaans Private School (WAP) on Saturday. WHS and Windhoek Gymnasium shared the 2023 title in a 24-24 draw in the final and both teams are still unbeaten in the current campaign.
WHS’ strong-running nr 8 and captain McHenry Kambatuku said he is grateful for the win. “When they scored in the first minute, I knew we would strike back because of our fighting spirit. I am happy that we did not pick up any injuries. Our execution was not that good.”
WAP flyhalf Ben de Wet scored a try in the first seconds after the kick-off when his opposite number William Beukes’ kick was charged down. WAP full-back Carter Loubser added the conversion (7-0).
Full-back Joshua Moller replied immediately with a try for WHS in the 2nd minute which William Beukes converted (7-7).
Loubser added a penalty in the 7th minute, but immediately WHS flank Pieter-Jan Strydom hit back with their second try in the left corner. Beukes added the conversion (14-10, after 10 minutes).
The WHS forwards systematically gained the upper hand, winning quick ruck ball, and sustained pressure resulted in another Beukes penalty (17-10 after 22 minutes).
WHS again cleverly worked their left wing Sergio Steenkamp over for their third try in the 31st minute.
After the break, WHS outside centre Soobramoney Sammy scored their fourth try, which Beukes converted (29-10). WHS right wing Ignatius Kandowa then expertly beat three WAP defenders on his way to touch down in his right corner in the 46th minute. Beukes converted (36-10).
Referee Antonie de Greeff handed the WHS lock Isaiah Kazondovi a yellow card (64th minute) for repeated ruck infringements.
WAP replacement wing Collin de Beer’s consolation try (68th minute) made the final score 36-15.
WAP prop and captain Gianluca Savoldelli said it was a tough match. “WHS brought their A-game. We struggled and the mistakes we made cost us dearly. We can still set things right because we still have games to play. We are a young team with a couple of under-16 players who have a promising future ahead of them.”
Celebrations at Outjo
OK Moria took a big step forward when they defeated Compack Tsumeb Gymnasium 24-10.
Moria’s tries were scored by Connor Burmeister-Nel, Ruan Anthonissen, Joseph Martin and Jazario Drotsky as they added full points. Two conversions by Durand Louw were successful.
Tsumeb Gym’s only try was scored by Pieter Potgieter, with the conversion and one penalty by FJ Fourie.
• PSG Walvis Bay Private School scored their first win of the season with a 50-0 victory over Elnatan.
Tries by wing Mark Lowings (3), Keanu Polster, Johan van Wyk, Joswin Solomon, Dylan Erasmus and Valentino Niigambo sealed the deal. Conversions were landed by Adriaan Boonzaaier (4) and Josh Visagie.
Upcoming fixtures
Walvis Bay Private School will take on coastal neighbours PSG Pro-Ed Academy on Wednesday in Walvis Bay.
Next Saturday, Elnatan will play Windhoek High School at Stampriet; Moria will face Windhoek Affies and Tsumeb Gymnasium will be in action against Pro-Ed Academy.