Wanderers clinches win in Walvis Bay

FNB Kudus suffered a 22-12 defeat against NRU premier league log leaders FNB Wanderers in their final home match of the season at Jan Wilken Stadium in Walvis Bay on Saturday.

The defending champions Kudus – losing their first home match of the season – conceded one position on the log as Montego United overtook them to be second now, although these two rivals could well end up being direct opponents in the upcoming semi-finals.

At Jan Wilken Stadium in Walvis Bay, both teams began the match determined to assert their dominance, but Wanderers struck first about 15 minutes into the encounter.

Wanderers made an entry into the Kudus 22 area and launched an attack, allowing the big lock Minyoi Kistings to run through scrumhalf Rayshawn Shoombe to score the opening try to the right to the goalposts. André van der Berg missed the conversion, leaving the visitors with a 5-0 lead.

Wanderers continued applying pressure, with flanker Dhale Cloete crossing the try line for the red-and-white side. Van der Berg again missed the conversion, giving Wanderers an early 10-0 advantage.

Kudus respond

Shortly before half-time, left wing Lucio Isaacs opened the scoring for Kudus after exploiting space in the far-left corner of the Wanderers defence.

Flyhalf Aurelio Plato successfully converted the try, reducing Wanderers’ lead to 10-7.

Wanderers quickly responded through left wing Tareekuje Tjipute, who took a short pass from Van der Berg in midfield to cut through untouched for his team’s third try. Van der Berg added the conversion to hand the visitors a 17-7 lead at half-time.

Wanderers extended their advantage early in the second half when hooker Edward Drotsky crossed the try line. Van der Berg missed the conversion, but the try moved Wanderers comfortably ahead at 22-7.

Kudus scored once more through fullback Cejay Coetzee. Plato missed the conversion, leaving the final score at 22-12 in favour of Wanderers.

The second half also delivered its share of disciplinary drama, with Kudus flank Alexander Jansen and Wanderers lock JP Campbell both receiving yellow cards.

Captains reflect

Wanderers captain Danco Burger credited the victory to his team’s disciplined approach and the platform created by the forwards.

“We kept rugby very simple today. That was our theme throughout the week. We wanted to execute the basics as well as possible,” Burger said.

He said Wanderers performed strongly in the set pieces, particularly in the scrums and mauls, allowing the backs to play on the front foot.

Asked about the possibility of meeting Kudus again in the final, Burger said Wanderers would continue taking the competition one match at a time. He also praised the Kudus supporters for always creating a lively atmosphere.

Kudus captain Adriaan Ludick acknowledged that his side had fallen short and needed to work harder ahead of the semi-finals.

“We were not good enough today. We did not put in enough effort during the week, and that showed on the field. That is our responsibility, and we must work harder,” Ludick said.

He thanked the supporters who attended Kudus’ final home match of the season, saying it was always special to play in front of the Walvis Bay crowd.

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