Namibia Fall to Kenya in Barthes Cup final

Namibia U-20 put a valiant performance but still fell to a 21-18 loss to Kenya in the Barthes Trophy Cup final at Nairobi’s Ruaraka Sports Club on Sunday 7 April 2019.

The result sees the side miss out in the World Rugby U-20 Trophy due in Brazil on 9^th-21^st July 2019.

After a lively start by the hosts, it was Namibia who took the lead from two penalty kicks through Delron Brandt for a 6-0 lead.

Brian Amaitsa landed the first try for Kenya, having fend off two defenders and headed for thin-goalal area narrowing the gap to 6-5 after the conversion sailed wide.

Namibia then overcame the loss of a man to the sin-bin to close out the half without conceding any points.

Beldad Ogeta crossed in Kenya’s second try 24 minutes after, as the Chipu’s extended their lead to 10-6 at the breather.

Shaun Van Wyk landed Namibia their first try at the start of the second half where they took the 11-10 lead.

Kenya then overcame the loss of a man to the sin-bin and earned themselves a penalty at the opponents 22. Andrew Matoka split the posts beautifully, Chipu taking the 13-1 lead with 20 minutes left on the clock.

Namibia got another seven points though through Brandt’s try in the 67th minute and a conversion.

Bonface Ochieng crossed his second before Andrew Matoka drilled in the winning penalty kick 40 metres off Namibia’s try line.

Namibia’s attempt at scoring a try while deep in Kenya’s half was unsuccessful as the hosts won the turnover.

The final was preceded by a tough bronze medal match, which was a see-saw throughout the first half before Senegal floored Tunisia 28-16.

Tunisia was relegated and will switch places with Pool ‘B’ winners in 2020.