WHS Kudu Bulls win at the Lions' Den
Rugby
The Samsung WHS Kudu Bulls got a psychological monkey off their backs – and became the new log leaders – by beating the Schoemans Group Windhoek Gymnasium Lions 24-23 in a spectacular Standard Bank U19 Super League match of Namibia Secondary Schools Rugby.WHS was on the scoreboard within the first three minutes when fly-half Caeden Moller made defenders grab at air to dive over for the Kudu Bulls’ first try. Moller converted and also struck with a penalty as his side trailed 10-11 at half-time.
Further converted WHS tries, first by left wing Jurgen Meyer and then right wing Alejandro Morkel, dramatically put WHS ahead.
Gymnasium got out of the blocks with two Waldré Kotze penalty kicks. Their speedy number six flanker, Zack von Wielligh, delivered a brilliant solo run down the right sideline to score in the corner and establish the half-time lead of 11-10.
In the second half, Meyer cut through the Lions’ defense, punishing a mistake in their backline, to dive over behind the sticks with Moller adding two points for a 17-11 lead.
With 16 minutes left in the second half, WHS was on attack in the Lions’ 22 area when Moller launch a perfect cross-kick to his right from behind a ruck. Morkel collected to dive over with Von Wielligh on his back, as Moller’s conversion put WHS 24-11 in the lead.
Gymnasium was forced to respond as hard-working nr. 8 Ruan Agenbag scored their second try from a maul to cut the deficit to 18-24 after scrum-half Denver Beukes’ successful goal kick.
When the horn and the electronic scoreboard announced the end of the game, WHS kicked into touch, but referee Romario de Koker let play continue for another three minutes. Gymnasium capitalised to set up a penalty lineout from which Agenbag scored his second of the match from the maul, but Beukes’s crucial conversion attempt sailed wide in the windy conditions.
Moria shock Walvis Bay
Head coach Henry Kemp remained positive and realistic despite PSG Walvis Bay Private School’s unexpected 22-29 loss against OK Foods Moria at Outjo.
“We had six guys out through either injury from our win against WHS, or that were attending a funeral. We included some youngsters, a few grade 10s, who stepped up and did well to secure two bonus points. It could have been different with some tactical decisions that didn’t work out.
“Our flank Hanlo Schoeman seems to be out for the rest of the season through injury, while we also await to hear the medical verdict on the seriousness of some others. Miguel Carballo and
“Of course the absence of our fly-half and captain Michael Koopman and nr. 9 JD Rossouw (both national schools team players in 2023, attending a funeral) was going to be crucial. But all in all I am positive in our guys equalling the tries at four each.”
Phillip du Plessis (2), Stefan Lotriet and Xavier Mouton were Walvis Bay’s try scorers, with one conversion by Antua Klein.
However, Moria won the match with tries by left wing Kapo Kuhanga, nr. 8 Kevin Germishuys, fly-half Jano Erasmus and prop Jean Cronje. Scrum-half Muller Marais kicked one penalty and three conversions.
WAP beat Elnatan
Walther Otto, Namibia U18 flank for Autohaus Windhoek Affies, further enhanced his reputation with three tries in a narrow 24-17 away win against Elnatan Private School at Stampriet.
Affies fly-half Van der Merwe Tromp also contributed a try and two conversions, as the visitors overcame a spirited southern opponent.
Elnatan’s inspirational flank and captain Markus Meyer scored both their tries, with Antonie Pieters adding two conversions and a penalty.
• Log standings, results, fixtures and news at https://rugby.my.na/
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