Maqonda Ndlovu
Wanderers Ladies Rugby Club took another step into retaining their Women’s Rugby League title with a hard-fought 15-0 victory over Rehoboth at Wanderers Stadium on Saturday.
Wanderers scored two tries, one in each half through Jo-Dee van der Byl and Memory Tjivikua, with Sunè Whitmann converting one and scoring a penalty in the first half for the home side.
Wanderers lost Amanrie Theron to a red card late in the game, but held on to claim victory and position themselves strongly for the semi-final spot.
Speaking after the match, Wanderers’ captain Laurencia Rooinasie said Rehoboth tested her side’s patience. “It was frustrating at times because they have good backline players and strength in their forwards. Most of our tackles were missed, but we had to get back up and keep giving our best. It was a tough game,” she added.
The captain said they are positive about retaining their trophy this season, even though Unam and United Ladies’ teams are also experienced and performing well.
Stand-in Rehoboth captain Ze-Zane Lewin said it was a tough match for her team, but paid tribute to the team as they are playing well and are improving every year.
“We are coming back from playing the finals last year. We have new players, but they are learning and working hard every year. They are improving every game, especially after the second leg,” she noted.
She said Wanderers are a competitive team, which always brings the best out of her side and it helps them grow.
“Our defence is one of our strong points. We are compact in our defence, and we are working on our attack. We excel in defending,” Lewin added.
In other results, United beat Kudus 19-0 at the coast with Memory Tjuaha, Michelle Stinger and Geraldine Louw scoring a try each, and Stinger converting two of them.
Wanderers remain second on the log, 28 points behind Unam, who have 31. United are in third with 28 points, albeit on an inferior points’ difference.
Fourth on the log is Kudus (13), followed by Rehoboth on fifth with 10 points. Oceans are sixth with eight points, while Grootfontein is at the bottom with six points.
In the men’s rugby league, Wanderers drew 25-25 against Rehoboth at Wanderers, with Unam triumphing over Reho Falcon by 38-26 in Rehoboth.
Kudus steamrolled over United 39-21 at the coast, with Western Suburbs winning 32-25 away from home.
Kudus top the men’s log with 34 points, followed by Wanderers with 33. United remain third with 28 points despite their defeat at the coast.
Western Suburbs are fourth with 21 points, ahead of Unam in fifth with 19 points, the same as sixth-placed Rehoboth.
Grootfontein is seventh with 11 points, while Reho Falcons anchor the log with nine points after eight rounds of play. jrnmarko@gmail.com