Gymnasium win top-of-the-log clash against WHS
Close call
The Windhoek Gymnasium Private School team proved the stronger team after beating the Windhoek High School rugby team 22-15.
Windhoek Gymnasium Private School (the Schoemans Group Lions) established themselves as the unbeaten log leaders and undoubtedly the team to beat, after winning their top-of-the log clash in the Standard Bank u19 Super League last Thursday.Gymnasium beat second-placed Samsung Windhoek High School Kudu Bulls 22-15 at the WHS Vegkop Stadium.
Before the match, Janneman Brand Senior, coach of Windhoek Gymnasium first team, said although it was a short week since their previous match just five days earlier, he was confident that his boys are ready. “We see every match as an opportunity to do our best and enjoy ourselves.”
His son Janneman Brand Junior, the first team captain and number 8, said the team was rested and ready to take on WHS. He said they had made sure that their structure was in place and fine-tuned.
On the other hand, Ainsley Daniels, Windhoek High School coach, said the team had worked on the team culture and getting their pattern right.
“This is going to be a physical game, as we are doing well so far in the league.”
Joe Losper, captain and Nr. 8 of WHS’ first team, said their training had been tough that week.
“We worked hard to find any advantage or weak spots in our opponents, as they are a good team.”
Losper added that every week they build on improving on any errors of the previous match.
Game time
WHS drew first blood as flyhalf Davito van Wyk managed to bag the first three points with a penalty kick. Just a few minutes later, wing Alejandro Morkel scored a try.
Just before the first half ended, the Lions scored their first try with a well-executed counter-attack, rounded off by fullback Divan Steyn after a good run by right wing Suramie Kambombo.
Gymnasium left wing Lu-Hendro de Waal scored his team’s second try after a thrilling run on the left touchline. Once again the Lions flyhalf JW Visagie failed with the conversion attempt, but the halftime score was 10-8 in favour of the Lions.
Second half
The Lions, through their heavy pack of forwards, maintained their grip by forcing referee Danie Koen to award them a penalty try when WHS collapsed a driving maul.
Speedy scrumhalf Elzandro van Wyk scored another unconverted try from a move that started in Gymnasium’s own half of the field, stretching the lead out of reach to 22-8.
Kyle Nel (WHS flank) scored the last try, bringing the full-time score to 22-15 in favour of the Lions.
Janneman Brand Jr said the game was difficult as their opponents did not make it easy for them.
“This was one of the toughest games of the season as we had to work for every point.”
Joe Losper said the Gymnasium defence was great.
“For the upcoming match, we will now focus on improving our forwards and backs as well as fine-tuning the little mistakes."