Photo Credit - Varsity Sport
FNB UWC scored eight converted tries in a ruthless second-half showing (60-19) against FNB CUT at Tuks Stadium.
Udubs’ full house of points ensures a dramatic end to fill the fourth spot in the semi-final race especially considering they will be aiming to do the same against FNB Wits come Sunday. They are now just two log points behind FNB CUT, who have a game in hand.
An enthralling first stanza was packed with classy running lines and throwing caution to the wind as two of the FNB Varsity Cup's most exciting attacking teams collided.
First up was hooker Janus Venter for the Ixias, who barrelled his way over to score a converted try, before FNB UWC hit back with two tries, neatly sandwiched like a quality BLT, via hooker Jason Alexander and flank Tinotenda Mavesere.
Ixias wing Ricoman Titus rounded off the delicious analogy as his converted try levelled the scores, and his charges pulled in front when fullback and Cheetahs-bound Cohen Jasper dotted down in the 35th minute to ensure the half-time break was a positive one for the Bloemfontein outfit.
The second half began with a sizzling point-of-origin try to FNB UWC that started with a change in possession before silky hands and snappy running was finished off by outside centre Aydon Topley. Scrumhalf Branden de Kock followed up with a converted five-pointer of his own two minutes later.
FNB UWC shifted into juggernaut after the second strategy break as Alexander collected his brace from close range and replacement lock Bronlee Mouries recorded try No 6.
The men from the Cape just would not let up on attack, scoring twice in the final five minutes. Replacement scrumhalf Conwill Conradie's clever back pass was returned to him as he ran in untouched and Topley then cashed in his brace as the sun set on a mesmerising display of rugby.
FNB Player That Rocks: Jason Alexander (FNB UWC)
FNB UWC – Tries: Jason Alexander (2), Tinotenda Mavesere, Aydon Topley (1x7, 1x5), Branden de Kock (1x7), Bronlee Mouries, Conwill Conradie. Conversions: Branden De Kock (6), Aydon Topley (2).
FNB CUT Ixias – Tries: Janus Venter, Ricoman Titus, Cohen Jasper. Conversions: Charles Williams (2).