The much-anticipated Cape derby went down to the wire in Stellenbosch and it was log leaders FNB Maties who clutched a try at the death to beat historical rivals FNB UCT in a thrilling FNB Varsity Cup clash. FNB UP-Tuks beat the FNB NWU Eagles to remain in contention for the playoffs while FNB UJ painted the city orange after upping the pressure in the second half against the Witsies to be crowned kings of Jozi. A rain soaked Bloem derby saw defending champs FNB UFS Shimlas dig deep and beat the Ixias in a low scoring affair.

Wits 24 – 32 UJ
Johannesburg was painted orange on Monday evening when FNB UJ claimed their first win of the tourney over FNB Wits at the Wits Rugby Stadium. After an intense two halves, UJ upped their momentum and claimed the city’s bragging rights and possibly a position in next season’s FNB Varsity Cup. It’s back to the drawing board for the Witsies, who will need to perform well in their remaining fixtures to avoid possible relegation.

Scorers:
Wits: 24 (10)
Tries: Thomas Beling, Joshua van Vreden, Kevon Chirwa, Thireque Apolles.

UJ: 32 (7)
Tries: Kamo Molefe (2), Ughan Africa, John Ford, Sifiso Dlamini.

FNB Player That Rocks: Michail Damon (UJ)

Teams: 
FNB Wits: Ricardo Brandao, Dagan Meuwese, Justin Amos, Sibusiso Shongwe, Thomas Beling, Hayden Munnery, Joshua van Vreden (VC), Thando Biyela, Christopher Kachungunu, Drew Bennet, Matthew Coetzee, Kevon Chirwa, Kamohelo Ncunca, Keith Chirwa, Lindani Dweba, Setshaba Mokoena (C).

FNB UJ: Damian Baker, Ryan Marimo, Ali Gqaza, Neil Hansen, Siyemukela Ndlovu (C), Muzuva Gutu, Dylan Viljoen, Liam Rowan, Alzeadon Felix, Ughan Africa, John Ford, Adriano Jackson, Sifiso Dlamini, Michail Damon.

 

UP-Tuks 26 – 17 NWU Eagles
FNB UP-Tuks welcomed FNB NWU Eagles at the Tuks Stadium in an emphatic and mouthwatering encounter – as anticipated, the collision proved to be unpredictable. FNB NWU Eagles look strong on attack as they cornered FNB UP-Tuks in the early stages of the game dominating the first 10 minutes. The visitors finally registered points on the on the stroke of halftime but Tuks had a 7-point lead by then. The closely contested affair returned with the same energy but Tuks cemented their dominance, resisting the onslaught from the opposition to seal a thrilling win.

Scorers: 
UP-Tuks: 26 (10)
Tries: Andile Myeni, Lilitha Matsiliza, Ruan van Blommestein.

NWU Eagles: 17 (3)
Tries: Indiphile Tyeda, Tian van Zyl.

FNB Player that Rocks: Rauld Hattingh (FNB UP-Tuks)

Teams:
FNB UP-Tuks: Mj Nel, Edwin Till, Jayd Austin, Roald Hattingh, Lilitha Matsiliza, Kamohelo Tlome, Haydn Kemp, Dillon Smith, Daimon Oconnell, Jp Wentzel, Andile Myeni, Keane Galant, Tharquinn Manuel, Munashe Dukuswa, Ambesa Zenzile.

FNB NWU Eagles: Alethwa Buthelezi, Chyle Van Zyl, Ntobeko Shezi, Tsepo Tlaka, Stephan Krugel, Ricardo Fourie, Tian Van Zyl, Guhan Du Bois, Sanele Zungu, Stehan Heymans, Indiphile Tyeda, Nico Liversage, Matthew Fortuin, Naiden Jaarts, Luan Van Der Walt.

 

FS Shimlas 16 – 9 CUT
The UFS Shimlas returned to winning ways in the FNB Varsity Cup on Monday with a hard-fought victory over the FNB CUT Ixias. It certainly wasn’t the prettiest of wins for the defending champions, but at this stage of the competition, every point is worth its weight in gold. The eagerly anticipated derby was delayed by nearly an hour due to lightning in the vicinity. Despite the wet conditions, both teams opted for an attacking approach from the outset, resulting in plenty of turnover ball. Ultimately, the FNB Shimlas did enough to claim the bragging rights and secure four valuable points.

Scorers:
UFS Shimlas: 16 (3)
Tries: Kirwin du Preez

FNB CUT: 9 (0)

FNB Player that Rocks: Bradley Giddy (FNB Shimlas)

Teams:
FNB Shimlas: Wynand Botha, Kirwin du Preez, Nkoka Ngobe (captain), Alwich van der Linde, Lilitha Lunqe, Bradley Giddy, Hlumelo Klaas, Maynard Kleynhans, Liam Shamburg, Fano Linde, Sandile Nzuza, Reinier Viljoen, Ben Pitout, Juanre Breitenbach, Ntokozo Hlope.

FNB CUT: Devinto Vergotine, Rorisang Masoeu, Zachery Bester, Liam Prinsloo, Clive Hartzenberg, Matthys Malan, Raydon Swartbooi, Francois Bester (captain), Helgard Bruwer, JT Van Der Walt, Kevin Strydom, Asekho Marubelela, Sisipho Nofuya, Tokelo Ntaopane, Mamello Moshoaliba.

 

Maties 31 – 24 UCT Ikeys

Maties kept their flawless record intact with an exhilarating victory over a determined FNB Ikey Tigers side in a gripping showdown at the electric Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch. The game unfolded like a heavyweight boxing match, with both teams relentlessly going toe-to-toe, refusing to back down. The Tigers led 24-17 at halftime, and it looked like the visitors might just pull off a shock upset. Enter Ezekiel Ngobeni, the Maties captain, who scored a brilliant hat-trick of tries to level the score at 24-all.  With the match hanging in the balance and time running out, the Maties found another gear and pipped Ikeys to the post.

Scorers:
Maties: 31 (17)
Tries: Ezekiel Ngobeni (3), Gcina Puzi, Grand de Jager.

UCT Ikeys: 24 (24)
Tries: Duran Koevort, Xola Nyali, Sipho Dyonase

FNB Player that Rocks: Ezekiel Ngobeni (FNB Maties)

Teams:
FNB Maties: Prince Mulea, Armand Combrink, Herman Lubbe, Zuko Poswa, Carel Van Der Merwe, Gcina Puzi, Luan Botha, Ethan Snyman, Ezekiel (C) Ngobeni, Christiaan van Heerden Smith, Grant De Jager, CJ Marx, Ryan Manuel, Joel Leotlela, Elridge Jack.

FNB UCT Ikeys: Matthew Beckett, Keagan Blanckenberg, Zachary Porthen, Enos Ndiao, Danio Botha, Siphomezo Dyonase, Connor Jack Gordon, Xola Nyali, Asad Moos, Alex Vermeulen, Ntokozo Makhaza, Luke Burger, Kian Davis, Rethabile Louw, Duran Rayn Koevort.

 

Courtesy: Varsity Cup and Varsity Sports

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