10 Mar 2019

 Jaguars rugby team beat cross town rivals BDF Cheetahs in a pulsating and bruising yet low scoring affair on March 9.

The entertaining match hosted by the youthful Jaguars side opened up what was expected to be an entertaining Botswana Rugby Union super rugby league.

Following a sparkling display from the two sides and after breathing heavily on each other’s necks, it was the visitors who drew first blood through a well-executed penalty by Matla Rabasima just past the first 10 minutes.

The impressive young Jaguars fought back throwing all attack against a resolute Cheetah’s defensive line.

Against the run of play, Cheetahs’ Rabasima converted another spot kick to put the game beyond the home side’s reach.

Jaguars left flanker and skipper Omphile Debula reduced the deficit on the 48^th minute.

The closing exchanges became tense and physical with occasional stoppage calls from the referee due to injuries sustained in the process of attack or defence.

The lead changed hands when Jaguars’ full back Shamuaka James scored a penalty with only seven minutes of official time remaining on the clock.

Despite now struggling at the scrum line, Cheetahs dominated the physical exchanges but never utilised their attack. They fought to a bitter end as the score remained at 8-6.

In an interview, Jaguars new mentor Andrew Paxinos rued his sides missed opportunities.

He noted that the boys had a number of chances to put away the game beyond the visitors reach.

He said his plans now as the new man in charge was to put together a strong formidable side.

“We could have two or three people in each position so that injuries do not dent our game plan.

Going forward, we need to maintain the composure, hang on to the ball and avoid playing a desperate rugby match. Our time will come,” said Paxinos.

The team lost three of their key players in Godknows Mavara, Andrian Zvarevashe and scrum half Pride Nyameni to bitter rivals Hogs.

They however backed up their squad with the addition of Victor Mushoriwa and Tamuka Pamire.

For his part Cheetahs coach, Shine Gabatladiwe said he was impressed how his boys’ executed their game plan.

He said they defended well but failed to utilise attack and promised to go back to the drawing board and prepare for their next assignment. ENDS