Kudus dominate neighbours Dolphin
Club rugby
FNB Kudus retained their third position in the NRU premier league.
FNB Kudus Rugby Club secured a 57-18 victory against their neighbours, the Simonis Storm Dolphin Rugby Club, in a Namibia Rugby Union Premier League match at the Jan Wilken Stadium in Walvis Bay. Saturday’s was a special match as the two clubs played for the Herbie Fransman Trophy, a new tradition introduced to honour a former Kudus legend. With this victory, Kudu RC clinched the win and the Herbie Fransman Trophy.
Kudus opened the scoring within minutes with fullback Aston Mukwiilongo’s first try, followed by a successful conversion by Scott Winborn, who was on a great streak during the first half. Two more tries quickly followed by right wing Lucio Isaacs and left wing Suramie Kambombo, with successful conversions by Winborn (21-0).
Dolphin managed to put three points on the board with scrumhalf Kenan Walters' penalty. However, Kambombo added two more tries for Kudus, which Winborn converted.
Dolphin retaliated when right wing Jennery Xamaseb found a gap, running from the 10m line and scoring their first try. Walters converted and at halftime, the score stood at 35-10.
Xamaseb’s second try got the second half going, although Dolphin were unable to add any more points after that. The visitors from Swakopmund also took a blow during the second half when lock Sheiton Besser was red-carded for a dangerous tackle.
The Kudus forwards enforced a penalty try, while nr. 8 Ja-Tamson van den Berg scored another, which was not converted by Aurelio Plato, who was back in action after an injury. Replacement back Diago Davids scored the final try for Kudus.
Kudus scrum-half and vice-captain, Rayton Paulse, said the youngsters took full advantage of the opportunities presented to them in the game.
"It’s tough when you put on a first-team shirt for Kudus, because it means there will be blood, sweat, and tears."
Paulse credited the dominance in the scrums during the second half when a new front three was sent on from the bench. "They definitely brought some stability, leadership, and patience, and that’s what we did well during the final minutes."
Paulse expressed his gratitude towards all supporters. "Uncle Herbie Fransman was a man I grew up with, much like the rest of my teammates, and this trophy will remain in Walvis Bay for as long as possible."
NRU Reserve League
Kudu RC won 86-7 against Dolphin, with left wing Paolo Andrews scoring five of their 14 tries.
At Rehoboth, Wanderers II won 64-11 against Reho Falcon II. Unam’s second team overcame visiting Rehoboth II by 21-17, while United II narrowly beat Suburbs II by 22-20.
NRU Women's 15s League
Unam Steenbokkies dominated Rehoboth Bokkies 64-0, while Oceans overppowered Grootfontein 39-0.