Unbeaten Oranjemund brace for RAMS challenge

The top two teams in the Namibia Rugby Union (NRU) ǁKharas First Division will clash in Keetmanshoop this weekend.

Oranjemund Rugb Club remain unbeaten at the top of the standings after winning all three of their matches with three league fixtures remaining before the quarter-finals. The Diamond Town side have scored 16 tries, conceded nine and collected 15 points, including three bonus points.

"We have prepared well and have no major injury concerns. We worked on our shortcomings, and I am happy with where we are as a team," said Oranjemund coach Hugren Andrews.

He said his side was determined to end its run of defeats against Keetmanshoop RAMS.

"They have beaten us at home over the past two seasons, and we want to change that."

Keetmanshoop RAMS are second on 10 points, including two bonus points, after recording two wins and one defeat. They have scored 12 tries and conceded 10.

Coach Brandon Walters said his side was ready for the challenge.

"We have a few injuries, but we are prepared. We are not dwelling on the past because every season brings new challenges. Oranjemund should expect a tough contest because we are determined to win."

Mariental are third with six points, including two bonus points, having won one of their three matches. They have scored and conceded eight tries.

Coach Niel Eiman said he expected a much-improved Ocean Swallows side.

"We wish them a safe journey to Mariental. We have a few injuries, but we have capable replacements. Swallows will be desperate for their first win, while our supporters expect a response after two consecutive defeats. It should be a closely contested match."

Eiman said Mariental intended to win their remaining three matches to strengthen their chances of qualifying for the quarter-finals.

"We experimented with combinations in our opening matches. From now on we will field our strongest available side."

Ocean Swallows remain bottom of the standings with one bonus point after three matches. They have scored and conceded five tries.

Coach Alvin van Wyk said his young squad continues to improve.

"We are taking it one game at a time. The players' morale is high, and we know we need a win to keep our quarter-final hopes alive."

In the NRU First Division Central and North league, Sparta United lead the standings with 38 points, including 10 bonus points, from eight matches. Vipers are second on 35 points, followed by Vikings on 32 after a three-point deduction for fielding an unregistered player.

Oceans are fourth on 16 points, followed by Eastern Bulls on 12, Okahandja Highlanders on 10, Reho Falcon 3 on five, and NUST on minus seven points.

Okahandja Highlanders were deducted six points after withdrawing from a Week 8 fixture. NUST were deducted three points for fielding unregistered players and a further six points after withdrawing from their Week 8 fixture.

The final round of ǁKharas First Division league matches will be played on 8 August. The top eight teams after the completion of the 64 league matches will qualify for the quarter-finals on 5 September. The semi-finals are scheduled for 12 September, with the final to be played at the Hage Geingob Stadium on 19 September. Oranjemund will also host the Southern leg of the third Ongos Valley Sevens tournament on 3 October.

Fixtures – 11 July

NUST v Oceans (Hage Geingob Stadium, 12:15). The following matches will kick off at 15:00: Mariental v Ocean Swallows, Keetmanshoop RAMS v Oranjemund, Okahandja Highlanders v Vikings, Eastern Bulls v Sparta United and Reho Falcon 3 v Vipers.