Win over EP earn Welwitschias praise
The Windhoek Draught Welwitschias kept their best for last with a memorable first win against Eastern Province in any rugby competition since Namibia gained independence in 1990.Captain Prince !Gaoseb’s men showed fearlessness, skill and enterprise to dominate their final fixture in the Mzansi Challenge 47-29, scoring seven tries against four.
The result added a first South African union to their win column for this series, along with victories over the Kenya Simbas and Zimbabwe Goshawks.
Strong performances
Leftwing JC Greyling, with four tries, emphatically proved that he has lost none of his renowned try-finishing abilities, despite his brief retirement announcement last year.
Greyling, who only rejoined after four of the nine provincial matches had already been completed, was among several Namibians who staked strong claims for inclusion in the test squad for the upcoming international season leading up to the Rugby World Cup in France in September.
When Greyling, in media interviews after his second player of the match performance, credited the team effort, it wasn’t just a cliché response.
Danco Burger once again looked composed and competent at flyhalf, scoring a try and six (out of seven) conversions. Inside centre PJ Walters distributed well and powerfully barged over for a try, although he was involved in a defensive mix-up that allowed the visiting flyhalf Mbembe Payi to break past and score.
The Welwitschias pack was filled with heroes that put their bodies on the line in the physical confrontations to systematically gain the upper hand on attack and defence, while there were also the deft touches of hooker Wikus Jacobs and flank Max Katjijeko, each delivering a final pass to send Greyling on his way.
Gerswin Mouton’s speed and counter-attacking instincts were on display when he ran himself out of trouble from his own goalline to start the move for the striking blow that became Greyling’s second try.
Scrumhalf AJ Kearns scored the try that put Namibia 14-7 ahead off an inside pass from right wing Warren Ludwig after phases in which !Gaoseb carried strongly.
Inspiring work
For the visitors, leftwing Jaydon Bantom was an inspiration – creating tries for his rightwing Rodney Damons in the first minute and for number 8 Athenkosi Manentsa after 69 minutes, besides scoring his own try off an intercept in the 19th minute and kicking three conversions and a penalty.
The Welwitschias conclude the Mzansi Challenge in 7th position out of 10 teams and with 17 league points, ahead of the Simbas, Bulldogs and Goshawks.