The Namibia Rugby Premier League concluded its final round of matches over the weekend, confirming the semifinalists. FNB Wanderers will face FNB Grootfontein, while FNB Kudus will play Montego United. Although the semifinalists were already determined before Saturday's matches, several competitive encounters took place. One notable upset was FNB Unam's victory against Grootfontein, despite Unam finishing fifth on the log and missing the semifinals.
FNB Unam secured a dramatic 50-43 win against Grootfontein at the Unam Stadium. The match saw the lead change hands multiple times, with Unam taking a 31-21 lead early in the second half. Grootfontein responded with three tries, seemingly securing victory with a 43-36 lead three minutes from the end. However, Unam's hooker Rowan Jansen and scrumhalf Caeden Moller scored consecutive tries to seal the win. Unam scored eight tries in total, with Don Juan Beukes, Keashan Beukes, Lazarus Joseph, Alcino Isaacs, and Jayden Links contributing.
Grootfontein's Jahno du Plessis scored three tries, while hooker Wicus Jacobs and prop Filippus Tshuuya added two and one try, respectively. Despite the loss, Grootfontein finished fourth on the log, advancing to the semifinals against top-placed Wanderers. In another match, Wanderers beat Montego United 41-29 in an entertaining derby. Wanderers took an early 15-0 lead, but United responded with three tries to take a 17-15 lead at halftime.
Wanderers ultimately won 41-29, scoring six tries through Jaylon Carew, Tareekuje Tjipute, Kistings Minyoi, Edward Drotsky, and Kyle Nel. Wiks Tromp added 11 points with the boot. United scored five tries through Irongwa Atshivudhi, Suramie Kambombo, Jurgen Meyer, Otjo Auala, and Enrique Husselman. United finished second on the log and will face defending champions Kudus, who finished third.
FNB Kudus secured a hard-fought 23-20 victory against FNB Rehoboth. Kudus scored three tries through Armando Dentlinger, Lezardo Vos, and Denzo Bruwer. Aurelio Plato added a penalty, while Rehoboth's Deevan Matthys scored two tries and Delano van Wyk one. Kudus will face United in the semifinals.
In another match, FNB Dolphins finished sixth on the log after beating FNB Western Suburbs 26-22. Dolphins scored four tries through Antoni Titus, Lucihano Geingob, and Vaino Gamatham. Maughan Jarman added three conversions, while Suburbs scored four tries through Upahee Muhuura, Jaarukaku Tjatjitura, and Dullon de Klerk.
The semifinal matches will pit Wanderers against Grootfontein and Kudus against Montego United. The conclusion of the league stage sets the stage for exciting semifinal encounters in the Namibia Rugby Premier League.
Key points
- FNB Wanderers will face FNB Grootfontein in the semifinals.
- FNB Kudus will play Montego United in the semifinals.
- FNB Unam pulled off an upset win against Grootfontein despite missing the semifinals.
