Arusha Rhinos 2004 Tanzanian rugby champions
After a close opening round loss in January, the Arusha Rhinos have stormed
home to win their next three games and take the 2004 Tanzanian Rugby
Premiership.
The Rhinos clinched the title last weekend by defeating the
Dar Leopards convincingly on their home ground by 26 points to nil. This was the
first time in eight years that an Arusha Rhinos team has beaten a Dar Leopards
side in Dar es Salaam.
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2004 Tanzanian Rugby Premiership Points Table: |
| Team |
Played |
Won |
Lost |
For |
Against |
Bonus pts |
Points |
| Arusha |
4 |
3 |
1 |
109 |
28 |
3 |
15 |
| Moshi |
4 |
2 |
2 |
43 |
86 |
0 |
8 |
| Dar |
4 |
1 |
3 |
44 |
70 |
2 |
6 |
The first half was a tight affair with both sides defending
stoically in the hot and humid conditions. At the half time break, scores were
locked at nil all. Shortly into the second half, the Rhinos began to assert
their control on the game and were rewarded with a try out wide to powerful lock
John Lloyd. The try was converted by irresistible inside centre Chris Parker to
take the score to seven points to nil.
The Rhinos ran in a further 3 tries in the half, one each to
Chris Parker, barnstorming winger Tom Halloran and replacement outside centre
Emmanuel Motta. In the end it was superior fitness that saw Arusha run away with
the game and the title with both sides displaying exceptional skills.
For Dar, their fly-half and Captain Paul Bracey was
outstanding, leading from the front with an exceptional kicking game. For the
Rhinos, lock and man of the match Jeremy Stephenson dominated the lineouts,
while inside centre Chris Parker kicked three difficult conversions and scored a
fine try to bring his points tally to 11.
The Arusha Rhinos have come a long way as a club in the last
6 months, leaving behind the turmoil of the last few years to emerge the
champion Tanzanian club in 2004. Much of this improvement can be attributed to
the Rhinos new coach, Tinus Aucamp, and club chairman, Craig Doria, both of whom
have been working tirelessly to ensure the success of the club.
The Arusha Rhinos would also like to thank their major
sponsors Northern Air, Tanzania Game Trackers Safaris, Toyota Tanzania, Upper
Zonal and KK Guards. Without their generous financial support, the club would
not have been in a position to win this year’s Tanzanian premiership title.
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