Wanderers’ chances recede

WANDERERS’ chances of qualifying for the semi-finals of the MTC Rugby Premier League were dealt a severe blow when they lost 23-6 to Kudus in Walvis Bay on Saturday.

For Kudus, their national fullback Chrysander Botha had a great game, scoring two scintillating tries after incisive attacks into the backline. Rightwing Gregory Stein also had a fine game, scoring a try and adding a conversion and two penalties for a personal haul of 13 points.Wanderers could only reply with two penalties by flyhalf Mahco Prinsloo.The result sees Kudus moving up to fourth position on the log to join Rehoboth Rugby Club on 31 points. Wanderers are trailing in sixth position on 26 points. United extended their lead at the top of the log after their match against bottom-of-the-log Jaguars had to be cancelled. Jaguars withdrew from the match on Friday with the result that United were awarded the points.They now lead the log with 47 points from 11 matches, well ahead of the defending champions, Western Suburbs who are second on 33 points. With most of the clubs only having three matches remaining before the league is completed, the fight for places amongst the four semi-finalists will be extremely tough.So far only United are assured of a place in the semi-finals, while up to six clubs are still in the running for the other three semi-final spots. Mariental currently lead the MTC Central First League on 60 points, ahead of Western Suburbs II on 47 and Reho Falcon II 0n 43. Windhoek Rugby Club are leading the MTC West First Division on 44 points ahead of Dolphins (40) and Swakopmund (35). Otjiwarongo are leading the MTC Northern First League on 16 points, ahead of Oshakati (12) and Tsumeb (6). – www.namibiasport.com.na