UB Rhinos trample Jaguars
Calistus Kolantsho | Monday March 9, 2015 15:35
Though Jaguars were making their debut in the Botswana Rugby Union (BRU) A Division League, they bossed Rhinos and drew first blood. However, the Rhinos utilised most of the scoring chances, which came their way to emerge tops.
Fly half Maatla Bamantsima of Jaguars was in splendid form with good runs. Tafa Ncube failed to convert after Bamantsima scored after a superb run. Rhinos’ Lesedi Cherry tried to score for his side, but was not given a chance in the 12th minute. Errors crept into the Rhinos game when it looked like they could crack the opposition defence.
As the game continued with both sides pushing to outclass each other, Dent Patrick received a caution in the 17th minute. Enjoying the lead, Jaguars were taken by surprise as Kaelo Mogotsi made a run and hit the touchline, setting up an easy conversion for his scrum half. A few minutes later, enterprising play by Rhinos backline players caught Jaguars defence napping and had it not been for a wayward forward pass when the try line was at their mercy, the hosts would have increased their lead in the 24th minute.
As the match approached the halfway mark, Rhinos dictated the pace. After recess, Jaguars players easily lost possession. Their man Tapiwa Chigwanda was sent to an early shower after a foul in the 50th minute.
Speaking to Sport Monitor after the match, Jaguars’ coach, Taku Mhonda raised concern about lack of discipline in his camp. He said his side could have won the match but the main problem was indiscipline. Mhonda lamented that it was unnecessary to receive three yellow cards.
“This was a game of grudges because some of my players are former Rhinos players. It is our first game of the league but we hope to do well in the next match,” he said. Rhinos’ coach, Mooketsi Ramakele explained that they are normally scrappy in the first game. He said the important thing was to grab maximum points. He admitted that his side did not start well but he knew that they would win due to the experienced players he has.
The team’s line ups:
Jaguars: Kaone Magotsi, Nathan Botan, Chigwada, Patrick, Rambo Masalila, Neil, Ncube, Eleazer Ndlovu, Ishamael Pelaelo, Brandon Sibanda, Masego Moalosi, Thabang Moepi, Koketso Majekate, Maatla Bamantsima and Taja Zvasiya.
Rhinos: Lesedi Keekae, Thata Moifala, Choba Ebineng, Munya Mhonda, Blue Sperring, Kitso Muduo, Letty Lesoumoko, Herbert Nkonjera, Motty Mohutsiwa, Tshoganetse Kotsem Kabo Morobare, Mogotsi, Cherry, Patrick Chirga and Mori Mori.
Red card: Chigwanda.