Arusha Rhinos beat Mombasa

Arusha Rhinos utilised their home ground advantage to beat Rugby 26-20 last Saturday but complacency almost costs them the match.

Arusha Rhinos Rugby Club

The hosts dominated the first half with their back line running exceptionally well, captain Justin Trappe and Joshua Peterson earning them two tries by plus two conversions and four penalties by Trappe to lead with a score of 23-3 at the breather.

After sustained pressure Michael Hook swung a pin point pass, which was received by the captain, who sliced through the defence and bundled over to score for the game’s first try.

Then Mombasa’s lack of discipline gave Trappe a chance to convert pressure into points and was able to slot three of the penalties in the first half.

Another accurate pass by Hook to blind side winger running a perfect line, left Mombasa’s defence in tatters and with a simple inside ball Joshua Peterson was under the poles. Mombasa had a few chances and converted a penalty after a spate of poor discipline in the tackle area up to half time.


The game was different in the second half as complacency crept into the Rhinos and two quick tries and a penalty by the visitors brought the score to 23-20, with the Rhinos still leading. “Super subs” were brought in late into the game and Trappe converted a penalty to seal the score at 26-20.

Trappe told the ‘Daily News’ in a telephone conversation yesterday the match showed that no game is done until the last minute.

“We dominated the game in the first half but allowed Mombasa back in with a big chance. I don’t expect to encounter such a scare at our home ground again,” he said. “I don’t believe in a lucky win for we deserved the victory and did what was needed to win.”

By IMANI MANI, Tanzania Daily News

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