FNB Maties overcame a ten-point deficit at halftime to beat FNB NWU Eagles 31-28 in Potchefstroom to get their 2023 Varsity Cup campaign back on track.
It took the home team just three minutes to open the scoring when Vernon Paulo went over the line after a driving maul.
Two more tries for the Eagles, including a second by Paulo, and three penalties by Maties flyhalf Jurie Mattheetook the scoreboard to 19-9 at halftime for NWU.
Maties came back firing on all cylinders in the second half with a beautiful try from Waqar Solaan.
The home team responded with a try by Arminn Posthumusbut a yellow card for Paulo left them wanting. A late try by Louw Nel sealed an emphatic win for Maties over NWU.
Scorers:
FNB NWU Eagles 28(19) – Tries: Vernon Paulo (2), Zinedine Robinson, Arminn Posthumus. Conversations: Arminn Robinson (3).
FNB Maties 31(9) – Tries: Louw Nel, Waqaar Solaan. Conversions: Jurie Matthee (2). Penalties: Jurie Matthee (5).
FNB Player That Rocks: Louw Nel (Maties).
Teams:
FNB NWU Eagles: 15. Genis Riaan, 14. Windvogel Keano Ricardo, 13. Pretorius Theunis Gerhardus, 12. Phatudi Isrome, 11. Jaarts Naiden, 10. Robinson Zinedine, 9. Hassien Sylvester, 8. Erlank Gustav Zacharias, 7. Bertram Karl-Heinz Henlein, 6. Posthumus Arminn, 5. Nel Wihan, 4. White Junior, 3. Shezi Ntobeko Thabiso, 2. Paulo Vernon, 1. du Plessis Ruben.
FNB Maties: 15. Croy Cade Martin, 14. Van Schalkwyk Matthew Emile, 13. Topley Aydon Colin, 12. Solaan Waqar Bradwell, 11. Pooe Maselino Alberto Neo, 10. Matthee Jurie Johannes, 9. Volmoer Mckyle, 8. Marais De Wet, 7. Miller Simon, 6. Schoeman Camden, 5. Beukes Juan, 4. Kitshoff Matthys, 3. Weilbach Friedrich Cornelius (Corne), 2. Breytenback Francois, 1. Matongo Vernon Tadiwa.
