Photo Credit - Varsity Sport
Flyhalf James Tedder produced another Player That Rocks performance as FNB UCT outplayed FNB Wits at Loftus Versfeld to win 40-22. The Ikeys is confidently and patiently on their way to be crowned as the winner of the 2021 Varsity Cup. They are a professional outfit that always remains calm on the attack as well as defence.
FNB Wits dazzled in the opening minutes and were rewarded for their prowess as hooker Justin Brandon crossed the chalk for an unconverted try before play was suspended for impending lightning.
The hiatus proved to light the flame under Ikeys' potjie as they bounced back with two tries to hooker Devon Arendse while Tedder landed four penalties and two conversions to hand FNB UCT a 26-8 lead at the break.
The second half started slowly as both teams failed to bother the scoreboard until Witsies' prop Ebot Buma broke the deadlock with a converted try. The Ikeys Tigers' then resumed control of the wheel as replacement hooker Josh van Vuuren pulled back a converted try.
For the second time in as many matches, the Brandon brothers penned their names on the scoresheet as replacement hooker Morné followed on from his younger sibling’s efforts in the first half.
FNB Wits' elation was short-lived, though, as Ikey Tigers lock Connor Evans plucked the ball out of the air at the restart to score a sensational try, claiming the bonus point in the process.
Tedder's boot was on hand for FNB UCT as he nailed eight shots at goal in total.
FNB Player that Rocks: James Tedder (FNB UCT Ikeys)
FNB Wits: Tries: Justin Brandon, Ebot Buma, Morné Brandon. Conversions: Kurt Webster (2). Penalty: Webster.
FNB UCT Ikeys: Tries: Devon Arendse (2), Josh van Vuuren, Connor Evans. Conversions: James Tedder (4). Penalties: Tedder (4).