Photo Credit - Varsity Sports
The FNB NWU Eagles fought back from 16-0 down to beat the FNB UFS Shimlas 33-22. A game that changed during the last 5 minutes of the first half. The FNB NWU Eagles scored two converted tries in that 5 minutes to trail with 14-16 at the break. Thereafter it was the Eagles that dominated all facets of the game.
There is no love lost whenever these teams meet in the FNB Varsity Cup and it was no different at Loftus Versfeld as they threw everything and more at each other in the first 10 minutes before FNB UFS Shimlas flyhalf JP Duvenage opened the scoring.
It was all FNB UFS Shimlas for most of the first half as the hookers continued the status quo of Round 2 with William Moffat dotting down for Shimlas while Duvenage added a further eight points from the tee.
The men from Potchefstroom eventually awoke from their slumber in the last 10 minutes of the half, claiming two converted tries courtesy of wing Keano Wingvogel and No 8 Ruben Dreyer to cut the deficit to just two points.
Things slowed down quite dramatically after FNB UFS Shimlas secured another penalty goal three minutes into the second half, yet it was the Eagles who finally took the match by the scruff of the neck as scrumhalf Riaan Genis sniped and dived for the line to score. Flyhalf Keagan Fortune's conversion handed them the lead for the first time.
The FNB NWU Eagles then found their attacking rhythm courtesy of silky play between forwards and backs before hooker Gustav du Rand smashed his way over from close range to secure the bonus point.
The match drew to an end with both sharpshooters trading multiple blows with the Eagles ultimately taking the victory at Loftus Versfeld.
FNB Player that Rocks: Gustav du Rand (FNB NWU Eagles)
FNB UFS Shimlas: Try: William Moffat. Conversion: JP Duvenage. Penalties: JP Duvenage (5).
FNB NWU Eagles – Tries: Keano Wingvogel, Ruben Dreyer, Riaan Genis, Gustav du Rand. Conversions: Keagan Fortune (3). Penalties: Keagan Fortune (2).