FNB UCT Ikeys produced a breathtaking attacking display to defeat FNB UJ 88-28 in their FNB Varsity Cup Round 4 clash at the Green Mile in Cape Town on Monday evening.
The home side wasted no time asserting its dominance. After earning an early penalty from a high tackle, FNB UCT struck in the second minute when their centre crossed the line, with flyhalf Alex Vermeulen adding the conversion for a 7-0 lead. The Ikeys quickly built momentum as winger Lezane Davids powered over in the corner following sustained pressure, before fullback Setshaba Mokoena finished superbly out wide to make it three tries in quick succession.
The scoring frenzy continued as scrumhalf Mooray Daars darted over for the fourth try, while Jack Benade added another soon after. David's grabbed his second try of the match following clever play from Daars, and flank Aiden de Costa joined the party as the Ikeys ran riot. Further tries from Aidan Norris and Mokoena’s second saw the hosts head into halftime with a remarkable 71-7 lead, having scored nine tries in a dominant first half.
FNB UJ showed greater intent after the break and enjoyed a better spell early in the second half, but FNB UCT soon resumed their attacking rhythm. David once again created the opportunity for Benade, who completed his hat-trick to extend the lead.
Despite playing with 14 men following Tian Vorster’s yellow card, the home side remained in control. The visitors fought back with tries from JT Strydom, Toy Engelbrecht, and Thabo Mashigo, securing a valuable four-try bonus point.
However, the final say belonged to the Ikeys as Xola Nyali crossed late to seal an emphatic 11-try victory, with Vermeulen impressive from the tee throughout the match.
Scorers:
FNB UCT: Tries: Jack Benade (3), Monray Daars (2), Lezane Davids (2), Xolani Nyali, Aiden Norris, Aiden de Costa. Conversions: Alex Vermeulen (11)
FNB UJ: Tries: JT Strydom, Toy Engelbrecht, Thabo Mashigo, Reuven Ferreira. Conversion: Nicallen Gabrielsen.
Teams:
FNB UCT: 1 Mhleli Khuzwayo, 2 Nic van Schalkwyk, 3 Phiko Zuka, 4 Enos Ndiao, 5 Adam De Waal, 6 Isaiah Louw, 7 Aiden De Costa, 8 Aidan Norris, 9 Monray Daars, 10 Alex Vermeulen, 11 Lezane Davis, 12 Amahle Mazibuko, 13 Kian Davis, 14 Jack Benade, 15 Setshaba Mokoena. Replacements: 16 Tian Vorster, 17 Matthew Beckett, 18 Tumelo Noah, 19 Connor Jack Gordon, 20 Xola Nyali, 21 Cameron Whitson, 22 Bruce Campbell, 23 Eric Basson.
FNB UJ: 1 Sifiso Magwaza, 2 Ryan Marimo, 3 Bian Janse Van Rensburg, 4 Jaden Baillie, 5 Juan Fourie, 6 Kamo Molefe, 7 Josh Du Toit, 8 Thabang Mphafi, 9 Zian Cilliers, 10 JT Kapank, 11 Zenkosi Mthiyane, 12 Reuven Ferreira, 13 Exauce Kevani, 14 Jayden Pringle, 15 JT Strydom. Replacements: 16 Francois Prinsloo, 17 Damian Baker, 18 Katlego Xaba, 19 Thabo Mashigo, 20 Toy Engelbercht, 21 Lesedi Masimola, 22 Berwyn Bosch, 23 Nicallen Gabrielsen.
