FNB Maties bounced back in style on Monday night, defeating FNB UJ 39-19 in front of a packed Danie Craven Stadium awash in maroon. After last week’s defeat to FNB UFS Shimlas, the hosts showed resilience and composure to overcome a determined Orange Army outfit who arrived high on confidence following their win over FNB Emeries.
FNB UJ struck first momentum through a powerful rolling maul finished by Kamo Molefe, before captain Thabang Mphafi extended their lead to hand the visitors a 16-8 halftime advantage. Earlier, FNB Maties winger Rynhardt van der Linden had broken the deadlock after sustained pressure, while flyhalf Christiaan van Heerden Smith kept the scoreboard ticking with the boot.
The second half belonged to the home side. CJ Marx ignited the comeback early, and hooker CJ Erasmus powered over from close range to edge FNB Maties ahead. From there, the momentum swung firmly. Mckyle Volmink dotted down in the corner before centre Ryan Manuel produced a classy finish to stretch the lead.
Captain Ezekiel Ngobeni capped off a commanding final quarter with a powerful try, sealing an emphatic 39-19 victory and a much-needed response from the Stellenbosch outfit.
Scorers:
FNB Maties: Tries: Ezekiel Ngobeni, Rynhardt van der Linden, Ryan Manuel, Mckyle Volmoer, CJ Erasmus, CJ Marx.
FNB UJ: Tries: Kamo Molefe, Thabang Mphafi.
FNB Player of the Match: CJ Marx (FNB Maties)
Teams:
FNB Maties: Elridge Jack, Rynhardt van der Linden, Ryan Manuel, CJ Marx, Oluhle Ndaba, Christiaan van Heerden Smith, Ezekiel Ngobeni (c), Ethan Snyman, Luan Botha, Fortune Mpofu, Kevin Strydom, Zuko Poswa, Keanuh Michaels, CJ Erasmus, Janlu Basson.
FNB UJ: JT Kapank, Ughan Africa, Exauce Kevani, Reuven Ferreira, Zenkosi Mthiyane, Nicallen Gabrielsen, Zian Cilliers, Thabang Mphafi (c), Josh Du Toit, Kamo Molefe, Juan Fourie, Thabo Mashigo, Bian Janse van Rensburg, Ryan Marimo, Damian Baker.