Photo Credit - Varsity Sport
FNB Maties scored six tries to beat Gqeberha-based FNB Madibaz. It was rather unconvincing, considering the stellar heights the five-time FNB Varsity Cup champions usually operate at, but a win is a win and it saw them finish the day in third place on the log.
The usually composed and clinical FNB Maties have not been at their best throughout the 2021 campaign and it showed against the winless FNB Madibaz, who frustrated the Maroon Machine with a hardy defensive line.
However, one cannot win with defence alone and the cracks appeared in the ninth minute when FNB Maties flank Thys Kitshoff powered over for the opening try.
His efforts were followed by five-pointers to fullback Juan Mostert and passionate captain and outside centre David Brits, before Mostert bagged his brace with a fantastic point-of-origin try after the FNB Madibaz failed to find touch with time up in the first half.
Flyhalf Adriaan van der Bank kicked all four conversions to add to a 30-0 lead at the break, while the FNB Madibaz were left wondering why their intent had yet to be rewarded.
The second half was much of the same as the men from Stellenbosch relied on the mistakes of their opposition as opposed to creating anything of real value.
Brits secured his brace within five minutes, before another hiatus of points being scored caused the match to lose the remaining allure that was brimming before kick-off.
Flank Gift Dlamini dotted down for a point-of-origin try in the 66th minute to cap off a strong showing, but Van der Bank could only convert Brits' try.
It certainly didn't help FNB Maties' cause that they were served two yellow cards in the final 20 minutes to hooker JJ Kotze and replacement lock James Combrinck.
The numerical advantage was seized by the FNB Madibaz as replacement utility backs Khakalethu Bophi (point of origin) and Likhona Dywili scored tries, with Tiaan Schutte adding a conversion.
FNB Player That Rocks: Juan Mostert (FNB Maties)
FNB Maties – Tries: Thys Kitshoff, Juan Mostert (1x5, 1x7), David Brits (2), Gift Dlamini (1x7). Conversions: Adriaan van der Bank (5).
FNB Madibaz – Tries: Khakalethu Bophi (1x7), Likhona Dywili. Conversion: Tiaan Schutte.