High-flying Unam take on Suburbs

High-flying FNB Unam are expected to stretch their unbeaten run when they host struggling FNB Western Suburbs in the Windhoek Lager Rugby Premier League tomorrow afternoon.
Unam are still unbeaten and last weekend notched up their sixth consecutive victory against their closest rivals FNB Kudus at Walvis Bay.
After taking a 28-17 lead half-time, Unam had to repel a strong onslaught from Kudus after the break, but they held on to seal a 35-22 victory.
That put them four points clear at the top of the log, and with the league nearing the halfway mark, Unam are starting to look like the team to beat to win the title.
With players like Shareave Titus, Quirione Majiedt and captain Alcino Izaacs, they have a lot of pace and guile in the backline, while fullback Aljarrreau Zaahl has developed into a consistent points scorer.
But it’s up front where they have improved with new additions like Gerhard Thirion, Handre Bezuidenhout and Diamando Tjombe strengthening an already potent pack.
Suburbs, meanwhile, are struggling in eighth position, with only one win from six matches, and go into tomorrow’s match as heavy underdogs. Last weekend they suffered a 57-28 defeat to Grootfontein on their home turf, and will certainly have to lift their game if they hope to stop the mighty Unam.
Wanderers, who moved into second position on the log after thrashing Dolphin 89-5 last weekend, face a tough assignment away to Rehoboth Rugby Club.
Rehoboth have not had a great start and are currently lying sixth with only two wins from six matches, but they will be desperate to move up the log and especially to overtake their neighbours Reho Falcon, who are one place above them in fifth position.
They, too, have an exciting backline, with scrumhalf Miquel Busch always a danger, while centre Henrique Olivier is a reliable goalkicker.
Wanderers, though, are expected to hold the advantage up front with their heavy pack and dynamic loose trio of Richard Mupewa, Peter Diergaardt and Driaan Vorster, while their national halfbacks Jacques Theron and Andre van der Bergh call the shots in the backline.
FNB Grootfontein, who are fourth on the log and still within striking distance of the leaders, host an improving Reho Falcons who have given some rousing performances lately.
Grootfontein, with their heavier pack and on their home turf, however, will be a tough challenge for the Falcons, but they have proven that they cannot be written off.
Bottom-of-the-log Dolphin, meanwhile, host Trustco United at Swakopmund, with both teams in desperate need of points.
Dolphin have found the going tough in their first season in the premier league and must still win their first match, but the case of United is quite strange. They are the defending champions, having beaten Wanderers 30-29 with a brilliant display in last year’s final, but this season they have been a shadow of their former selves, with only one win and a draw from their first six matches.