An impressive and season-defining performance sealed a last-gasp 25-24 victory for the FNB UFH Blues against arch-rivals, FNB WSU in round seven of the FNB Varsity Shield at the Davidson Stadium in Alice on Friday.
After leading 15-0 at the halfway point, the Blues showed class, and composure to hold on to their win in front of their home supporters.
The Eastern Cape derby lived up to expectations, and it was the hosts who fired first with two tries in the first 40 courtesy of tries by captain, Bunono Jamani and Bulumko Mfundisi.
The second half was a totally different affair, and WSU came out firing and showed intent from the get-go.
They scored three tries, the first from fullback, Beon Hartnick before they were awarded a penalty try after relentless pressure.
FNB WSU then capitalised on a man advantage in the 60th minute when Khanya Solani brushed off several defenders to dot over the whitewash.
They led 17-15 with ten minutes to play but extended their lead with another late try scored by Buhlebenkosi Kedama in the 79th minute.
Just as the fans thought it was all done and dusted; the Blues had other ideas. With a minute remaining, they piled up the pressure and camped in WSU’s half until the final play of the game.
A line out which resulted in a maul saw skipper, Jamani crash over for the winning try.
Scorers:
FNB UFH: Tries: Bunono Jamani (2), Ukho Nomsatha, Pangwa Okuhle. Conversion: Sinalo Jivana. Penalty: Sinalo Jivana.
FNB WSU: Tries: Khanya Solani, Beon Hartnick, Buhlebenkosi Kedama, (Penalty try). Conversion: Beon Hartnick.
Teams:
FNB UFH: 1 Elihle Mtshemla, 2 Bunono Jamani (c), 3 Liyabona Matyana, 4 Liyema Hlitane, 5 Kamvelihle Gcweka, 6 Dala Mgidi, 7 Mpho Ramahala, 8 Michael Mangava, 9 Sinalo Jivana, 10 Sakhela Siyamthanda, 11 Okuhle Pangwa, 12 Lakheni Majali, 13 Takudzwa Rushiza, 14 Bulumko Mfundisi, 15 Ukho Nomsatha. Replacements: 16 Inga Vellem, 17 Samkele Nzima, 18 Mbasa Babele, 19 Siyolise Mocksini, 20 Anda Simanga, 21 Kamva Jenqa, 22 Salusiwe Gxekwa, 23 Sibusiso Javu.
FNB WSU: 1 Yanda Ndamase, 2 Sibulele Manyube, 3 Yoyisa Mahobe, 4 Luvo Zindela, 5 Siseko Mani, 6 Khanya Solani, 7 Pernell Mendes, 8 Sandisiwe Mkwayimba, 9 Thembela Folo, 10 Yolisa Kasi, 11 Simosethu Capa, 12 Axola Mtalana, 13 Bulelani Nondlwana, 14 Ahlule Zokoza, 15 Beon Hartnick. Replacements: 16 Nande Lucas, 17 Mihlali Nohoyeka, 18 Buhlebenkosi Kedama, 19 Abongile Vellem, 20 Sipho Hobosch, 21 Asenam Mniki, 22 Elam Kusa, 23 Qhayiya Makhalima.