Last year’s semi-finalists, Maties and UCT Ikeys, met in the first round of 2023’s Varsity Cup edition. Just as promised, the two Western Cape universities delivered an electrifying match at the Danie Craven Stadium, in Stellenbosch with over 16 000 fans.
Maties, newly coached by Matthew Proudfoot, set the tone for the match by winning the first penalty. This domination led to Maties scoring the first try by JurieMatthee, flyhalf. After the try was converted the score was 9-0 in favour of the home team. Maties dominated the first half with their forwards, especially in the scrum. But two tries by UCT followed soon. Duran Koevort, fullback of UCT, went over for their first try of the match which was converted by Ntokozo Makhaza, wing. Followed by a try from inside centre, Lyle Hendricks. This meant the halftime score was 9-16 in favour of the visitors, UCT.
The second half was followed by some excitement when Juan Beukes, flank of Maties, went over the try line. Only for it to be overturned by TMO for daylight between the player and the ball. UCT kept the upper hand in the second half, with countless handling errors from Maties. A red card by substitute flank, Marco van Rhyn, because of a dangerous tackle just before the 60th minute meant UCT stayed in control of the match.
Maties made the lead smaller by a try from the scrumhalf, Tom Bursey, and converted by Matthee with the score still being 19-18 in favour of UCT. With ten seconds left in the game, it looked like UCT had the game in the bag. But a penalty was won by Maties and Matthee, who lined up for the penalty kick. One of the most difficult kicks of the match, Matthee nailed the kick to give Maties a 21-19 win over UCT!
FNB MATIES 21 (9) - Tries: Jurie Matthee, Thomas Bursey. Conversions: Jurie Matthee (2) Penalties: Jurie Matthee (1)
FNB UCT IKEYS 19 (16) - Tries: Duran Koevort, Lyle Hendricks. Conversions: Ntokozo Makhaza (2). Penalties: Ntokozo Makhaza (1)
FNB Player That Rocks: Asad Moos (UCT Ikeys)
Article by - Ané Havenga