FNB CPUT produced a spirited comeback to defeat FNB Madibaz 30-20 on Friday at Cape Peninsula University of Technology, overturning an early setback that included two costly yellow cards in a dramatic momentum shift.
FNB Madibaz opened the scoring in the ninth minute when flank Johan van Zyl crashed over after a series of powerful pick-and-go phases. The conversion attempt went astray, leaving the score at 5-0. The visitors extended their advantage just four minutes later as No. 8 Dewald Gerber forced his way across the line, but another missed conversion saw them stretch their lead to 10-0.
FNB CPUT responded in the 28th minute as winger Samukelisiwe Madonsela crossed the line, although the conversion was missed, leaving a score of 10-5. Madonsela added his second in the 36th minute after good work with Noah Peuker, and this time flyhalf Reuben Noble converted to give the home side a 12-10 lead. Just a minute later, Noble crossed the line to extend the lead to 17-0, sending his side into halftime with momentum firmly in their favour.
In the second half, FNB Madibaz closed the gap in the 56th minute when centre Qurin Cupido crossed for a try, cutting the deficit to 17-15. FNB CPUT’s forward pack responded with authority just eight minutes later, powering a dominant driving maul that hooker Lihle Kula finished to extend their lead to 22-15.
Winger Dwayne Atkins extended the lead 10 minutes before the final whistle for the hosts, FNB CPUT held a 27-15 cushion. Noble added a crucial penalty in the 77th minute, extending FNB CPUT’s lead to 30-15 and putting the game firmly out of reach.
FNB Madibaz managed a late consolation try through Lukhanyiso Olifant in the stoppage time, but the hosts had already done enough to secure a composed 30-20 victory.
Scorers:
FNB CPUT: Tries: Samukelisiwe Madonsela (2), Lindisipho Kula, Reuben Noble (2), Dwayne Atkins.
FNB Madibaz: Tries: Johan van Zyl, Dewald Gerber, Qurin Cupido, Mtika Oliphant.
FNB Player of the Match: Samukelisiwe Madonsela (CPUT)
Teams
FNB CPUT: 1 Emihle Akho Benya, 2 Lindisipho Lihle Kula, 3 Kieran Delaan Naidoo (c), 4 Ntsako Ashley Mhlanga, 5 Abongile Kude Golela, 6 Lazola Amahle Makaula, 7 Simphiwe Gift Thabede, 8 Yibanathi Daki, 9 Jayson January, 10 Reuben Thorne Noble, 11 Samukelisiwe Sandile Madonsela, 12 Mbuso Maseko,13 Jacquin Farrol Jacobus, 14 Dwayne Grant Atkins, 15 Noah Matthe Pekeur. Replacements: 16 Kyle Ahrendse, 17 Siphesihle Ntandoyemvelo Zwane, 18 Ashton Maloy, 19 Nqaba Mveliso Nkonyeni, 20 Preveen Rahul Padayachiey, 21 Clyde Nicyle Frieslaar, 22 Chris David Phillips, 23 Yibanathi Phoncana.
FNB Madibaz: 1 Imibongo Mvuleni, 2 Kyle Erasmus, 3 Lihlumelo Mantewu, 4 Dandre Van Jaarsveld, 5 Luan Verster, 6 De Wet Goedhals, 7 Johan van Zyl, 8 Dewald Gerber (v), 9 Chad Weimann, 10 Layron Milborrow, 11 Emihle Zaza, 12 Qurin Cupido, 13 Edward Kruger (c), 14 Mvelo Fipaza, 15 Raashied Conrad. Replacements: 16 Brent Klopper, 17 Bahle Cengani, 18 Aj Flemming, 19 Corne Cloete, 20 Xolani Hlatshwayo, 21 Onelisiwe Fani, 22 Caleb Friskin, 23 Mtika Oliphant.