United on the brink of missing out on play-offs

WINDHOEK: Namibia Rugby Premier League defending champions Trustco United are on the brink of missing out on the Premier League play-offs after going down 18-15 against arch-rivals FNB Wanderers on Saturday. Round 13 of the Premier League saw United making a short journey from their base in Olympia to Pioneers Park at the Wanderers Sports Field to face their opponents in one of the most nail-biting derbies in Namibian rugby. As expected, the two gave it their all in front of their spectators who cheered them on as Wanderers managed to run in two tries, one conversion and two penalties on the day to narrowly win the match but not good enough points to take them top of the table. Wanderers' tries on the day were scored by left-wing Jurgen Meyer and eight-man Driaan Vorster while flyhalf Geraldo Beukes scored a penalty a conversion and a drop ball. United also ran in two tries through right-wing Edgar Beuthin and centre JD Nel while scrumhalf Jahno du Plessis scored a conversion and flyhalf Hanreco van Zyl s cored a penalty. The defeat against FNB Wanderers means the league-defending champions will have to give it their all to score a bonus point or win all their matches with the hope that FNB Grootfontein drops points. Grootfontein is in fourth place with 33 points from 13 matches, while United holds fifth place with 32 points. UNAM leads the standings with 61 points, followed by Wanderers with 57 points. FNB Kudus from Walvis Bay secured a 25-21 victory over Grootfontein on Saturday, solidifying their third-place standing with 53 points. Reho Falcons, after defeating Dolphins 47-15 at home, are in sixth place but tied with United on 32 points. Western Suburbs, who were beaten by Rehoboth 43-28, dropped to eighth position with 24 points while FNB Rehoboth moved up to seventh position with 25 points. The Simonis Storm Dolphins remain at the bottom of the standings with five points. Only the top four teams after 16 rounds of rugby will qualify for the playoffs, which will determine the winner of this year's P remier League title. Source: The Namibia News Agency