FNB UJ escaped the dreaded promotion-relegation zone with a 38-31 victory over FNB UP-Tuks in Pretoria. For the defending champions, it was a disappointing end to a dreadful season, finishing bottom of the log with no victories.
The home side got off to a blazing start when Andre Van der Merwe dotted down from a quick lineout and driving maul. Rowan Cloete’s conversion and a penalty put Tuks 10-0 in front within the first 10 minutes of the match.
UJ responded immediately with a counterattack that delivered back-to-back tries by Nkondlokamthimkhulu Radebe and Kelvin Kanenungo. Flyhalf Rowan Malgas registered was successful with the conversions. Tuks reduced the deficit to four points through Dian Schoonees in the 28th minute again using their solid forward pack off a driving maul. Pressure piled for Tuks as their skipper was stretched out due to injury. Prince Nkabinde scored the Orange Army’s fourth try just before halftime to take the score to 26-15.
UJ returned from the break to continue their dominance over the home side. A dazzling intercept from Likhaya Tengimgene from his half led to Nkabinde’s for his second try.
Tuks crossed the try line late in the second half through Hilton Gie and Ambesa Zenzile with Clyde Lewis and Chad-Lee Valentine booting the conversions. UJ responded with a penalty from Jonathan Viljoen to seal the victory and escape the relegation zone.
Scorers:
FNB UP-Tuks 31 (15) – Tries: Andre Van der Merwe, Dian Schoonees, Hilton Gie, Ambesa Zenzile. Conversions: Rowan Cloete (1) Chad-Lee Valentine (1), Clyde Lewis (1). Penalties: Rowan Cloete (1).
FNB UJ 38 (26) – Tries: Nkondlokamthimkhulu Radebe, Kelvin Kanenungo, Rowan Malgas, Prince Nkabinde (2). Conversions: Rowan Malgas (4). Penalties: Jonathan Viljoen (1).
FNB Player That Rocks: Ricardo Fourie (UJ)
Teams:
FNB UP-Tuks: 15 Lewis Clyde Alfrudo, Myeni Samkelo Andile, 13 Reynders Zander, 12 Daniels Lincoln Liam, 11 Kruger Zandre, 10 Cloete Rowan, 9 Valentine Chad-lee, 8 Venter Divan, 7 Schoonees Dian, 6 Gie Hilton, 5 Nkombua Justice Kabasele, 4 Meiring Dawid, 3 Geldenhuys Werner, 2 Williams Allister Noel, 1 Van der Merwe Andre
FNB UJ: 15 David Cary, 14 Nkabinde Prince, 13 Radebe Nkondlokamthimbkhulu, 12 Likhaya Tengimgene 11 Liqhayiya Gantsho, T 10 Rowan Malgas, 9 Khubheka Mpho Vincent, 8 Kelvin Tafirenyika Kanenungo 7 Pretorius Francois Christiaan, 6 Ricardo Fourie 5 Apea-Adu Philip, 4 Buhlebenkosi Qaba, 3 Pohlmann Heiko Peter Eugene, 2 Osuagwu Darnell Jerry-Fred, 1 Kiewit Kayden Nicklo.
