FNB UFS Shimlas returned to winning ways in the Varsity Cup, edging FNB Wits 26-25 in a tense and exciting clash at in Bloemfontein. This was Wits’ first loss of the season.
Kwezi Dlamini opened the scoring in the 4th minute, however, it wasn’t too long before Wits struck with a try courtesy of hooker Dameon Venter.
Despite another try for the home team by Nkoka Ngobe, it was the visitors who were leading 20-14 at halftime courtesy of a long-range try by flyhalf Christian Humphries. He also landed two penalties.
Dlamini completed his brace early in the second half and another try by Pierre Uys gave the Shimlas a reasonably comfortable lead.
Wits replacement Gerswin Mouton went over for a try with two minutes left on the clock but a missed conversion by Humphries denied the team from Johannesburg a third straight victory.
Scorers:
FNB UFS Shimlas 26(14)– Tries: Kwezi Dlamini (2), Nkoka Ngobe, Pierre Uys. Conversions: Ethan Wentzel (3).
FNB Wits 25(20) – Tries: Dameon Venter, Christian Humphries, Gerswin Mouton. Conversations: Christian Humphries. Penalties: Christian Humphries (2).
FNB Player That Rocks: Kwezi Dlamini (UFS).
Teams:
FNB UFS Shimlas: 15. Michael Annies, 14. Javier Farmer, 13. Nkoka Ngobe, 12. William Moffat, 11. Siviwe Zondani, 10. Ethan Wentzel, 9. Hlumelo Klaas, 8. Kwezi Dlamini, 7. Lohan Potgieter, 6. Lourens Oosthuizen (captain), 5. Dylan Sjöblom, 4. Pierre-Raymond Uys, 3. Gerrit Viser, 2. Liyema Mgwigwi, 1. Johan Schutte.
FNB Wits: 15. LwandileMapuko, 14. Wian de Lange, 13. Luhle Matyolweni, 12. Setshaba Mokoena, 11. Azi Afrika, 10. Christian Humphries, 9. Kabelo Mokhethi, 8. Ziyanda Msipha, 7. Lindokuhle Ncusane, 6. Mark Snyman, 5. Kyle van Eyssen, 4. Cal Smid, 3. John-Kelly Okonkwo, 2. Dameon Venter, 1. Banele Mthenjane.