Sparta I soldier on
Defending champions Sparta I defeated Sparta II 12-7 in a clean but hard-fought Namibian Rugby Union (NRU) first division match at Jan Wilken Stadium in Walvis Bay.There was no love lost between the two sides, and Sparta II made their much-fancied opponents sweat until the very last moment for the victory. Both teams came out blazing, with Sparta I searching for a bonus point victory and Sparta II wanting to finish their season on a high note.
Tighthead prop Jay Jay Dentlinger crashed over for the first try of the match, handing Sparta I the lead (5-0).
Right wing Careem Visagie added the conversion (7-0). Speedy outside centre Leanzo Losper sidestepped his way through the Sparta II resistance and touched down for the second try of the match on behalf of Sparta I (12-0). Visagie missed the conversion.
The battle for supremacy intensified when play resumed. Sparta I upped the pace, while Sparta II defended with passion and managed to frustrate their opponents. Sparta I eventually had to make do with 14 players after referee Henrico du Plesis yellow carded Visagie. Sparta II made good use of the one-man advantage they enjoyed. Captain and scrum half Harry Basson led by example and eventually breached the Sparta I defence. He crashed over for a try late in the second half (12-5). He also converted the try and made the final score 12-7.
The Sparta women took points after Grootfontein failed to pitch.