Windhoek-based outfits Trustsco United and Wanderers will clash in the final of the 2023 Namibia Rugby Union (NRU) Premier League final after overcoming tough competitions from their rivals in the semi-finals on Saturday.
The NRU held its semi-finals for the different league divisions at the Hage Geingob Stadium on Saturday.
The match between United, and Walvis Bay-based Kudus saw the coastal outfit firing on all cylinders and kept fans on their toes throughout the match which ended 28-27 in United’s favour.
United opened the scoring early in the match through Hanreco van Zyl and Reinhold Benade made no mistake with the conversion as he gave the home team the lead. Kudus was determined to see themselves in the final, therefore, bounced back with a penalty through Aurelio Plato.
PJ Walters scored Kudus's first try of the match and Plato converted for Kudus to take the lead for the first time in the game. Minutes later Lloyd Jacobs scored Kudus's second try, which Plato converted to extend their lead to 17-07 before the halftime break.
United were awarded a penalty just before the halftime break, but Benade did not have his scoring boots on the day as he missed that penalty to end the first half 17-07. Kudus led the game with a 10 points difference.
In the second half, Kudus scored one more try, which was converted as well as a penalty, while United had a better second half and ran in three tries, a penalty goal, and a drop ball. All three conversions were missed.
Meanwhile, in the second Premier League semi-finals defending champions Wanderers overcame Rehoboth with a 32-20 scoreline to book themselves a slot in the final against their biggest arch-rivals United.
In the reserve league, Grootfontein and Kudus book themselves a showdown after Grootfontein overcame Wanderers 33-31 while Kudus overcame United 41-40.
The women league will see United Gemsbokkies take on UNAM Steenbokkies in the final scheduled for 26 August 2023 at the Hage Geingob Stadium in Olympia.
All the finals will form part of the build-up to the main match between the Namibian men’s senior rugby team, the Welwitschias, and the Blue Bulls from South Africa.
Source: The Namibian Press Agency