The Outback Barbarians defeated the Gaborone Hogs 26-12 in Botswana, showcasing strong teamwork and skill. Key performances included tries by Darren Jaftha, Hamish Brown, Vinnie Quigley, and Jay Meyer, while both coaches expressed satisfaction with player workloads and contributions despite challenges. The match exemplified community spirit, with a festive post-match atmosphere following the encounter.
The Outback Barbarians triumphed over the Gaborone Hogs with a score of 26-12, marking their fourth match of the Africa 2025 Tour in Botswana. This event attracted record attendance, creating an exhilarating atmosphere as the local community turned out to support their teams. Both sides initially struggled to assert control, leading to a thrilling encounter between two determined teams.
The Barbarians opened the scoring through a skillful short-side maneuver, with Harold Mial facilitating a try by Darren Jaftha, resulting in a 5-0 lead. Subsequently, the Hogs leveled the match with a try of their own, though their conversion attempt was unsuccessful, leaving the halftime score tied at 5-5. Following the break, the Barbarians regained momentum, with Hamish Brown scoring the first try of the tour, converted by Mickyle Jaftha, pushing the score to 12-5.
A significant contribution came from Tom Savage, whose dynamic play resulted in a try scored by Vinnie Quigley, extending the lead to 19-5. The Barbarians continued to dominate, driven by multiple scrum penalties. Jay Meyer’s try further solidified their command on the match, with a successful conversion by Micky making it 26-5.
Despite the match nearing its conclusion, the Hogs found an opportunity to score a well-executed try, finishing the match at 26-12. Players notably rose to the occasion despite facing illness and injury. Coaches Bishop and Kliese expressed satisfaction with the players’ performances, particularly praising Joe Johnston for his adept play at the halfback position. The camaraderie displayed between the teams following the match underscored the true spirit of rugby, with Savage and Holloway earning man-of-the-match honors. The Barbarians will next compete against the Zimbabwe Under 20s in Bulawayo.
The Outback Barbarians showcased resilience and teamwork in their victory over the Gaborone Hogs, effectively bouncing back from previous challenges. Key performances from players like Tom Savage, Scott Holloway, and Joe Johnston were pivotal to their win, contributing both in strategy and execution on the field. The match further reflected the strong sense of community and sportsmanship that transcends competition, setting a positive tone for their upcoming match against the Zimbabwe Under 20s.
Original Source: www.queenslandcountrylife.com.au
