Wanderers pushed hard in final by Grootfontein

Wanderers’s first rugby team overcame a stubborn Grootfontein 24-14 in the premier division final to win the Castle Lite Trustco United 10-a-side rugby tournament on Saturday evening. In a dramatic final, Grootfontein dominated the first half and went into the break with a telling 14-0 lead, after AJ Vercuil had converted the tries by himself and centre Niel Holtzhausen.Significantly, it was the team from the north’s sixth match of the day, while only the fourth appearance for the unbeaten Wanderers following their win of 5-0 against Unam the previous evening.Wanderers finally managed a stunning comeback in the second half of eight minutes, capitalizing on their opportunities and sealing the victory with three tries – by wings Jurgen Meyer (2) and Tolley Tjipute and fly-half Denzo Bruwer.Bruwer played a crucial role in contributing to the tries and successfully kicking all four conversions that helped his side defend their title.Reflecting on the team’s performance, Bruwer said: “We were surprised by how they started the first half; they had a tough semi-final, and we knew their legs would give in eventually. “We were patient and waited for our chances, and we executed well because we scored with each of the four opportunities that came our way.“I am proud of the boys, proud of the coaching staff and the work they put in. This one means a lot and is very special for me. Defending champs!”Gracious in defeatDespite falling short, Grootfontein showed incredible resilience to reach the final and almaost breaking Wanderers’ unbeaten run. Grootfontein, who finished second on the log, had to play a single semi-final against third-placed Unam, which they dominated 27-19 (halftime 17-0). Due to Friday needing to be a travelling day to the capital, all their matches were played on Saturday.Team captain Wikus Jacobs praised his side’s effort: "Wanderers were fitter than us in the final minutes and they capitalized on that. They have a really good squad and are a top team, but I'm proud of the boys."In the Reserve League, Trustco United emerged victorious in a closely contested match. With the scores locked at 12-12, Soobramoney Sammy scored the decisive try to secure a 19-12 win for United.Wing Elias Nuemba and forward Dion Venter had scored United’s earlier tries, converted by Ricardo Swartz. For Wanderers II, fly-half Johannes was inspired, scoring two tries and converting one.Steenbokkies maintain their gripThe Women’s League final saw Unam’s Steenbokkies claim victory over Trustco United Gemsbokkies in another nail-biting contest. After a pointless first half, United took a 5-0 lead thanks to a five-pointer by fullback Roberta Fabio, but Unam made a strong comeback.Two tries by scrumhalf Veripamue Kamborona, both converted by fly-half Michelle Slinger, narrowly secured the 14-12 win as Richardine Gaya’s late try for United stayed unconverted.Looking aheadThe Castle Lite Trustco United 10-a-side tournament once again delivered high-intensity action, as the winners were rewarded with prize money. As teams look ahead to upcoming tournaments, Wanderers have underlined their recent dominance with back-to-back titles, while challengers like Grootfontein, Unam and United will be hungry to return stronger in the 15s game over the next months.

Wanderers pushed hard in final by Grootfontein

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Republikein 2025-04-15

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Wanderers pushed hard in final by Grootfontein

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