The UFS Shimlas returned to winning ways in the FNB Varsity Cup on Monday with a hard-fought 16-9 victory over the FNB CUT Ixias in the Bloemfontein derby.
It certainly wasn’t the prettiest of wins for the defending champions, but at this stage of the competition, every point is worth its weight in gold.
The eagerly anticipated derby was delayed by nearly an hour due to lightning in the vicinity of Shimla Park, but the welcome rain didn’t dampen the spirits of the supporters, who turned out in their numbers.
Despite the wet conditions, both teams opted for an attacking approach from the outset, resulting in plenty of turnover ball. The Shimlas, in particular, left several points on the park, squandering scoring opportunities from set pieces near the Ixias tryline.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 17th minute when FNB Shimlas flyhalf Bradley Giddy slotted a long-range penalty, despite the slippery underfoot conditions. However, he had two further attempts at goal, both unsuccessful, leaving the score at 3-0 at halftime.
The rain eased in the second half, improving the playing conditions slightly, but errors remained a factor. Ixias opened their account through a Matthys Malan penalty to level matters, but Shimlas responded with a sensational try from Kirwin du Preez—the only one of the match.
Giddy kept FNB Shimlas ahead with two more penalties, while Malan slotted two late three-pointers in pursuit of a bonus point for Ixias. Ultimately, the FNB Shimlas did enough to claim the bragging rights and secure four valuable points.
Scorers:
FNB UFS Shimlas: Try: Kirwin du Preez. Conversion: Bradley Pierre Giddy. Penalties: Bradley Pierre Giddy (3).
FNB CUT: Penalties: Matthys Cornelius Malan (3).
Teams:
FNB Shimlas: 15 Wynand Botha, 14 Kirwin du Preez, 13 Nkoka Ngobe (c), 12 Alwich van der Linde, 11 Lilitha Lunqe, 10 Bradley Giddy, 9 Hlumelo Klaas, 8 Maynard Kleynhans, 7 Liam Shamburg, 6 Fano Linde, 5 Sandile Nzuza, 4 Reinier Viljoen, 3 Ben Pitout, 2 Juanre Breitenbach, 1 Ntokozo Hlope. Replacements: 16 Jacobus Bezuidenhout, 17 Conley Pieterse, 18 Dujean Smit, 19 HJ De Beer, 20 Marno Stopforth, 21 Dubs Dlamini, 22 Siviwe Zondani, 23 Kungawo Mehlomakulu.
FNB CUT: 15 Devinto Vergotine, 14 Rorisang Masoeu,13 Zachery Bester, 12 Liam Prinsloo, 11 Clive Hartzenberg, 10 Matthys Malan, 9 Raydon Swartbooi, 8 Francois Bester (c), 7 Helgard Bruwer, 6 JT Van Der Walt, 5 Kevin Strydom, 4 Asekho Marubelela, 3 Sisipho Nofuya, 2 Tokelo Ntaopane, 1 Mamello Moshoaliba. Replacements: 16 Leon Johan Franzsen, 17 Jan Hendrik Bessenger, 18 Malcolm Lamont, 19 Kamva Tetani, 20 Tsebano Stemer, 21 Jeric Estree, 22 Jordan Davids, 23 Jean Swart.