Photo Credit - Varsity Sport
FNB UCT secured top spot on the FNB Varsity Cup log with a bonus-point victory (34-23) against the winless FNB Madibaz at the Tuks B-Field.
The Ikey Tigers made 12 changes to their starting lineup with an eye on their upcoming semi-final and it did disrupt their rhythm in the first half.
FNB UCT struck first in the 11th minute as hooker Josh van Vuuren barrelled his way over with inside centre Michael Brink converting. This proved to be their last points of the first stanza.
FNB Madibaz flyhalf Warrick Day slotted a penalty before replacement scrumhalf André Gerber darted away from a scrum to score the first try.
Outside centre Aya Oliphant ran in a delightful point-of-origin try to hand the men from the Eastern Cape a 15-7 lead early in the second half.
But FNB UCT then corrected the ship, with Brink bagging a brace before lock Matthew Grobler scored a point-of-origin bonus-point try.
Replacement flyhalf James Tedder and replacement utility back Kyle Bowman slotted penalties to extend the lead to 34-18 before FNB Madibaz flyhalf Tiaan Schutte, who dropped a goal earlier in the half, crossed for a consolation try.
FNB Player That Rocks: Michael Brink (FNB UCT Ikeys)
FNB UCT Ikeys – Tries: Josh van Vuuren, Michael Brink (2), Matthew Grobler (1x7). Conversions: Michael Brink (3). Penalties: James Tedder, Kyle Bowman.
FNB Madibaz – Tries: André Gerber, Aya Oliphant (1x7), Tiaan Schutte. Penalty: Warrick Day. Drop goal: Tiaan Schutte.