The nightmare is continuing for FNB UP-Tuks as they suffered their fourth consecutive defeat this season, with log leaders FNB NWU Eagles beating the defending champions 26-22 in Pretoria. The halftime score was 21-15.
The home side started on a high note when hooker Allitser Williams dotted down from a driving maul inside the first 10 minutes. After missing a conversion Walter Visser redeemed himself when he scored a penalty to make it 8-0 after 13 minutes of action.
Tries by Tino Swanepoel and Keano Windvogel put the Eagles on the board as they edged past Tuks to lead 14-8. The visitors continued their rampage when Theuns Pretorius barged through the Tuks' defence for his try. The home team got one back when captain Lincoln Daniels crossed over for the hosts’ second try of the evening.
The Eagles’ Swanepoel completed his double two minutes into the second half. Ethan Burger reduced the deficit when he tapped the ball and crossed over the NWU try line.
Tuks looked rejuvenated in the last 20 minutes of the match as they were desperately seeking a much-needed win to remain in contention, however, their questions remained unanswered.
Scorers:
FNB UP-Tuks: 22 (15) – Tries: Allister Williams, Lincoln Daniels, Ethan Burger. Conversion: Walter Visser. Penalty: Walter Visser.
FNB NWU Eagles: 26 (21) – Tries: Tino Swanepoel (2), Keano Windvogel, Theuns Pretorius. Conversions: Zinedine Robinson (3).
Player That Rocks: Tino Swanepoel (NWU)
Teams:
FNB UP-Tuks: 15. Lewis Clyde Alfurdo, 14. Zenzile Ambesa, 13. Daniels Lincoln Liam, 12. Fourie Pierre Arno, 11. Ngubane Bayanda Sinele, 10. Visser Walter, 9. Cloete Rowan, 8. Venter Divan, 7. Gie Hilton, 6. SChoonees Dian Antonie, 5. Meiring Dawid H. Lukas (Louis), 4. Kabasele Justice, 3. Geldenhuys Werner, 2. Williams Allister Noel, 1. Van der Merwe.
FNB NWU Eagles: 15. Swanepoel Tino Santino , 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.