FNB UP-Tuks produced a stirring comeback to secure an emphatic 38-22 victory over the defending champions as the FNB Varsity Cup burst into life at a packed Tuks Stadium. The Pretoria side rose to the occasion against FNB UCT Ikeys, overturning an early deficit in a high-intensity, action-packed encounter.
Sloppy start from the home side as they conceded an early try. Winger Lezane Davis dotting down for Ikeys inside the first minute for a point of origin try. The home side responded quickly through captain Dillon Smith, also with a point of origin try, newly signed flyhalf Divan Du Toit completing the extras.
Feisty opening minutes with end-to-end action. The visitors were just getting started as they continued keeping Tuks at bay. Their efforts were swiftly rewarded with winger Jack Benade scoring another point of origin try.
FNB UP-Tuks looked dangerous on transition, coming within inches of scoring twice in the space of two minutes as they piled pressure on the defence. The Stripe Generation grabbed the lead for the first time through winger Andile Myeni’s back-to-back tries. Individual brilliance from Myeni as he cut through FNB UCT Ikeys defence like a sharp knife.
The winger wasted no time in completing his brace with a cheeky piece of play. Du Toit with a cross-field kick that finds Myeni out wide as FNB Tuks takes all the points.
Deway Swartbooi’s troops were not done as they extended their lead to 11 points through Abel Pretorius. The big flank powers over from a driving maul. FNB Tuks leading 28-17 at the interval.
The two sides returned from the break composed and focused on their game plans. The home side maintained its healthy lead, while the Ikeys struggled to find cohesion. In the 68th minute, FNB Tuks extended their advantage through centre Kobus Janse van Rensburg, but the visitors quickly responded with a try from Aiden Norris five minutes later.
The remainder of the half remained scrappy until fullback Hopewell Ntshangase dived in the corner to seal Tuks’ 38-22 victory.
Scorers:
FNB UP Tuks: Tries: Dillon Smith (POR), Andile Myeni (2), Abel Pretorius, Kobus Janse van Rensburg, Hopewell Ntshangase. Conversions: Divan du Toit (2).
FNB UCT Ikeys: Tries: Lezane Davis (POR), Jack Benade (POR), Aidan Norris. Penalty: Alex Vermeulen.
Teams:
FNB UP Tuks: 1 MJ Nel, 2 Ruan Van Blommestein, 3 Jayd Austin, 4 Oelof De Meyer, 5 David Engongo, 6 Abel Pretorius, 7 Akhona Kunene, 8 Dillon Smith, 9 Chad-lee Valentine, 10 Divan Du Toit, 11 Munashe Dukuswa, 12 Christiaan Vlok, 13 Kobus Janse Van Rensburg, 14 Andile Myeni, 15 Hopewell Ntshangase. Replacements: 16 Jean Fourie, 17 Buhle Mphaka, 18 Barnard Nortje, 19 Duncan Blignaut, 20 Ben Jansen Van Vuuren, 21 Guvandre Moses, 22 Akha Mjawule, 23 Elkan Willemse.
FNB UCT Ikeys: 1 Matthew Beckett, 2 Nic Van Schalkwyk, 3 Phiko Zuka, 4 Enos Ndiao, 5 Connor Jack Gordon, 6 Xola Nyali, 7 Aiden De Costa, 8 Isaiah Louw, 9 Monray Daars, 10 Alex Vermeulen, 11 Lezane Davis, 12 Luke Kritzinger, 13 Kian Davis, 14 Jack Benade, 15 Setshaba Mokoena. Replacements: 16 Tian Vorster, 17 Mhleli Khuzwayo, 18 Tumelo Noah, 19 Eric Basson, 20 Adam De Waal, 21 Josh Miller, 22 Amahle Mazibuko, 23 Aidan Norris.