Suburbs narrowly beat United

WESTERN Suburbs maintained their unbeaten run in the MTC Rugby Premier League but they were pushed all the way before beating United 16-15 on Saturday.

Had it not been for some poor finishing in the final minutes, United could well have won the match which took place at United’s home ground in Olympia.
Left wing McGrath van Wyk scored all Suburbs’ points through a try, three conversions and a great penalty from the halfway line, but their forwards also played a vital role with their great defence.
United dominated possession with their heavier forwards making their presence felt, but Suburbs defended courageously, none more so than their loose trio of Brandon Walters, Kokkie Kangootui and Desmond Haihambo.
After two early penalties for Van Wyk and United flyhalf, Jaco van Zyl, United hammered away at Suburbs’ line for most of the first half but could not get through.
The match however swung Suburbs’ way in injury time of the first half when Van Wyk first converted a great penalty from the halfway line, and then from the subsequent kick-off was sent clear down the left wing for a fine solo try. He added the conversion to give Suburbs a commanding 13-3 lead at the break.
United started the second half strongly, pounding away with their forwards until prop Ivan Gaya finally burst over in the corner. Van Zyl’s conversion attempt was wide but United were back in the game at 13-8.
United maintained their pressure and drew level when centre Du Preez Grobler cut through Suburbs’ backline to score close to the posts. Lock Winmar Rust put over the conversion to put United 15-13 ahead.
United continued to lay siege to Suburbs’ line but they could not break through Suburbs’ great defence. Midway through the second half Van Wyk added a great penalty from the halfway line to put Suburbs ahead 16-15.
United pushed hard in the final stages but couldn’t get through Suburbs’ defence, while their cause was also not helped by some poor finishing.
Jaco van Zyl dropped the ball with an open tryline beckoning, while he also missed a penalty in the closing stages.
In another MTC Premier League match on Saturday, Wanderers beat Reho Falcon 21-15 in Rehoboth.
– namibiasport.com.na