In a thrilling encounter between rivals and neighbours FNB CPUT and FNB UWC, the home side edged a nail-biting contest 28-27 at full-time. The match was a seesaw battle, with momentum shifting between the two sides throughout.
FNB CPUT started strong, with Oyintando Maseti slotting an early penalty in the 10th minute to put them 3-0 ahead. Just two minutes later, Noah Pekeur crossed the whitewash for the first try of the game, though Maseti was unable to convert, leaving the score at 8-0.
FNB UWC responded in the 24th minute through Conwill Conradie, who not only scored a try but also converted it himself, bringing the visitors within a point at 8-7. Five minutes later, Conradie added a penalty to push UWC into the lead at 10-8.
FNB CPUT quickly reclaimed control with a penalty by Maseti in the 30th minute, making it 11-10. The home side extended their advantage just a minute later when Jacquin Jacobus dotted down, and Maseti converted to bring the score to 18-10.
However, FNB UWC struck back before halftime through Bevan Simons, with Aaron Swartz converting to narrow the deficit to 18-17 at the break.
Early in the second half, FNB UWC suffered a red card, giving FNB CPUT an advantage. Maseti capitalised with a 58th-minute penalty, making it 21-17. But FNB UWC refused to back down, as Hlomla Ncana scored in the 61st minute, with Swartz converting to push FNB UWC ahead at 24-21.
The final ten minutes saw high drama. Iwaan Bloys crashed over for FNB CPUT in the 70th minute, and Maseti’s conversion restored their lead at 28-24. FNB UWC fought until the end, earning a 75th-minute penalty, which Swartz converted to cut the gap to 28-27.
Despite a late push from FNB UWC, FNB CPUT held on to secure a hard-fought victory in a match that showcased high intensity, momentum swings, and clutch performances.
Scorers:
FNB CPUT: Tries: Noah Pakeur, Jacquin Jacobus, Iwaan Bloys. Conversions: Oyintando Honour Maseti {2). Penalties: Oyintando Honour Maseti (3).
FNB UWC: Tries: Conwill Conradie, Bevan Simons, Hlomla Ncana. Conversions: Aaron Swartz (3). Penalties: Aaron Swartz (2).
Teams
FNB CPUT: 1 Nkosephayo Ngema, 2 Kyle Ahrendse, 3 Kieran Delaan Naidoo, 4 Simphiwe Gift Thabede, 5 Keanan Benjamin Odwa Rolosi, 6 Nqaba Mveliso Nkonyeni, Simphiwe Gift Thabede, 7 Philasande Ngcobo, 8 Denley Krid Adams, 9 Jayson January, 10 Oyintando Honour Maseti, 11 Iwaan Bloys, 12 Carick Ethan Kustoor, 13 Jacquin Farrol Jacobus, 14 Noah Matthew Pekeur, 15 Keewan Titus. Replacements: 16 Andrew John Williams, 17 Nkanyiso Nyamende, 18 Ashton Maloy, 19 Abongile Kude Golela, 20 Evan Aldrich Plaatjies, 21 Clyde Frieslaar, 22 Timothy Matthew Shortles, 23 Keano Gerswin Cookson.
FNB UWC: 1 Hlonela Qelile, 2 Mihlali Tyanase, 3 Michaels Keanu, 4 Melumzi Mandongana, 5 Alexander-Jaco Van Der Merwe, 6 Romauld Nsombamanya, 7 Jean Visser, 8 Leighton Demon, 9 Cornwill Conradie, 10 Aaron Swartz, 11 Leachim Adams, 12 Braydon Booysen, 13 Bevan Simons, 14 Hlomla Ncana, 15 Elkan Willemse. Replacements: 16 Marciano Forbes, 17 Franco Ceaser, 18 Joshua Dickson, 19 Vincent Cloete, 20 Matthew Stephens, 21 Leigh Braaf, 22 Keith Syster, 23 Daniel Damons.