Dolphin opens season with win over Suburbs
FNB Dolphins secured a 45-–21 victory over FNB Western Suburbs in their opening match of the Namibia Rugby Union Premier League 2026 season at the Dolphin Sports Club at Swakopmund.
The home side built momentum through multiple tries to establish control of the match, before Western Suburbs mounted a stronger second-half response.
Suburbs capitalised on penalties conceded by Dolphin and periods of fatigue, narrowing the gap as the match progressed. Despite the pressure, Dolphin maintained their lead to close out the game.
The Dolphin backline was in clinical form on the day, rounding off tries by fullback Zaino van Wyk (2), centres Ronaldo Diergaardt (2) and Jerome Immanuel, wing Elrico Beukes and fly-half Demashu Maya. Conversion were added by Van Wyk (3) and Maya (one).
Referee Anthonie de Greeff showed yellow card to Dolphin’s Zaino van Wyk, Maya, nr 8 Conwill Draghoender and lock Jerome Schumann.
For the visitors from Khomasdal, centre Craig Jafta and replacement forward Ethan Beukes were try scorers along with a penalty try, while fullback Wyatt Brooks added two conversions. Brooks and prop Upahee Muhuura each spent ten minutes in the sin bin.
Dolphin head coach Hauta Veii said he was satisfied with the result as a starting point for the season.
“We are very happy with the performance. It’s something to encourage the team at the start of the league,” he said.
He added that the team would focus on improving their discipline and fitness ahead of their next fixture.
Dolphin, who completed the 2025 season in ninth position, will travel to Windhoek to face FNB Wanderers next Saturday.
