Kudus passes United test to regain lead
FNB Kudus’ first team retook the top spot in the Namibia Rugby Union (NRU) premier league, while the first division and women’s league also delivered action-packed matches on Saturday at the Tamariskia Stadium in Swakopmund.Kudus defeated Trustco United 39-21 in a fiercely contested match.
Kudus took a 3-0 lead in the fifth minute and continued applying pressure until they increased their lead to 10-0. United launched numerous concerted efforts and managed to take the lead 11-10 just minutes before the half-time whistle.
During the second half, Kudus continued to launch well-orchestrated attacks and took the lead once again. Both teams displayed impressive performances, but Kudus showed more heart and clinched the win.
The Walvis Bay club earned a bonus point by scoring five tries. Kudus’ scrum-half Rayton Paulse, inside centre PJ Walters and replacement fly-half Geraldo Beukes each scored one try, while outside centre Justin Newman scored two. Fly-half Aurelio Plato scored two penalties and four conversions.
United were prevented from adding any league points. Their two tries were scored by outside centre Reinold Benade and hooker Gerhard Thirion, while full-back Renier Benade landed three penalties and one conversion.
Bloodshed
Kudus’ captain Joshua Jacobs said: “It was a tough game. There was bloodshed on the field. In the second half, we took some time to really play as a unit, but I’m happy that we are fit enough to play for 80 minutes.
“All our guys playing off the bench did a great job. I personally am still recovering from a lot of injuries, but I have faith in God that I will recover fully before the finals. To my boys and our fans, I just want to say thank you for the hard work and support”.
Reserve league
Kudus second team defeated United II by 31-0 in a one-sided match. The Walvis Bay team are now placed second in the reserve league on 35 points, only one behind Wanderers II.
Kudus full-back Irongwa Atshivudhi, right-wing Jayden Bussel, inside center Michael Tjazerua and right flanker William Lottering each scored one try. Fly-half Scott Winborn added one conversion and Atshivudhi scored a penalty.
Women’s league
Trustco United ladies defeated the Kudus Bokkies 19-0 in the NRU women’s fifteens league. Kudus put on a decent performance but unfortunately didn’t manage to score any points.
United’s outside centre Marney Tjauha, fly-half Michelle Slinger and number eight Geraldine Louw each scored a try. Slinger converted twice.
United (third) and Kudus (fourth) are both still in semi-final contention behind leaders Unam and Wanderers.
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