Welwitschias denied at the whistle
It was a familiar feeling for the Namibian national rugby team, the Windhoek Draught Welwitschias when they narrowly lost against the Boland Cavaliers over the weekend in Swakopmund.
A last-minute Boland Cavaliers try denied the Windhoek Draught Welwitschias a memorable victory when the teams clashed in the Currie Cup First Division encounter at the Swakopmund sports field on Saturday.
The historic match was the Welwitschias' first to be played at the coast. It was a game of two halves as the hosts eventually ran out of steam conceding moments before the whistle blew for the end of the game.
In the first half, the Welwitschias were in superb form with tries from Johan Tromp, Mahco Prinsloo and Lesley Klim. Boland only managed one try in the first half through Alcino Izaacs. The home side led 19-7 at half time.
The second half was a different affair as the visitors dominated territorial play. The Cavaliers' fullback Gerrity van Wyk, ran through the Welwitschias' defensive line to score the visitors' second try early in the second half. Having converted the try, Boland reduced Namibia's lead to 19-14.
However, against the run of play the Welwitschias gave the home crowd something to cheer about as left flanker David Philander scored the Welwitschias' fourth try. Teuns Kotze's missed conversion meant it was 24-14 on the scoreboard.
With Boland Cavaliers needing a win to qualify for the Currie Cup First Division play-offs, they upped the impetus. Sergio Torrens scored the visitors' third try which Elgar Watts converted.
It was 24-21 to the hosts with the home crowd nervously anticipating the referee to blow the final whistle.
Boland Cavaliers tested a tired looking Welwitschias defensive line with only moments remaining and eventually got through when Elgar Watts crossed the chalk to break local hearts.
The fly half's missed conversion was immaterial as the scoreboard read 26-24 in favour of the visitors at full time. The Boland Cavaliers move on to the First Division play-offs because of their top-four finish.
As for the Welwitschias, the familiar feeling of déjà vu sunk in once again. It was the fourth time that the Welwitschias lost a Currie Cup First Division match with a close margin. They also suffered close defeats against the Valke (56-47), SWD Eagles (36-32) and Border Bulldogs (26-25).
The Windhoek Draught Welwitschias remained seventh on the log standings with 14 points, one place ahead of rock bottom Eastern Province.
Adolf Kaure
The historic match was the Welwitschias' first to be played at the coast. It was a game of two halves as the hosts eventually ran out of steam conceding moments before the whistle blew for the end of the game.
In the first half, the Welwitschias were in superb form with tries from Johan Tromp, Mahco Prinsloo and Lesley Klim. Boland only managed one try in the first half through Alcino Izaacs. The home side led 19-7 at half time.
The second half was a different affair as the visitors dominated territorial play. The Cavaliers' fullback Gerrity van Wyk, ran through the Welwitschias' defensive line to score the visitors' second try early in the second half. Having converted the try, Boland reduced Namibia's lead to 19-14.
However, against the run of play the Welwitschias gave the home crowd something to cheer about as left flanker David Philander scored the Welwitschias' fourth try. Teuns Kotze's missed conversion meant it was 24-14 on the scoreboard.
With Boland Cavaliers needing a win to qualify for the Currie Cup First Division play-offs, they upped the impetus. Sergio Torrens scored the visitors' third try which Elgar Watts converted.
It was 24-21 to the hosts with the home crowd nervously anticipating the referee to blow the final whistle.
Boland Cavaliers tested a tired looking Welwitschias defensive line with only moments remaining and eventually got through when Elgar Watts crossed the chalk to break local hearts.
The fly half's missed conversion was immaterial as the scoreboard read 26-24 in favour of the visitors at full time. The Boland Cavaliers move on to the First Division play-offs because of their top-four finish.
As for the Welwitschias, the familiar feeling of déjà vu sunk in once again. It was the fourth time that the Welwitschias lost a Currie Cup First Division match with a close margin. They also suffered close defeats against the Valke (56-47), SWD Eagles (36-32) and Border Bulldogs (26-25).
The Windhoek Draught Welwitschias remained seventh on the log standings with 14 points, one place ahead of rock bottom Eastern Province.
Adolf Kaure
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