Five-time champions FNB Maties broke FNB UFS Shimlas’ four-match unbeaten run with a 38-29 win at Shimla Park in Bloemfontein.
The Maroon Machine was simply better in the basics, and this resulted in a comfortable bonus point win. It was rather ironic that it was one of the Maties’ ‘Bloem boys’ Dewet Marais who scored a hat-trick of tries.
The Shimlas were the first on the board through fullback Michael Annies who scored a point-of-origin try. This try started from a scrum five metres from the Shimlas line that saw Zane Bester make the break after collecting a chip-kick, and ultimately, Annies rounded off a stunning team try.
Dewet Marais got the Maties on the board with his first try, before Shimlas' captain Pierre Uys struck back from a clever lineout variation. Shortly before half-time, Marais completed his brace which saw the visitors trailing 19-12.
Marias completed his hat-trick early in the second half to get the scoreboard ticking. The home team managed to strike back through Neels Volschenk. But tries by Hofmeyr Retief, Eric Basson and Louw Nel put the game out of reach for the Shimlas.
On the stroke after full time, Jandré Nel scored for the Shimlas to see them earn at least a point in the game.
Scorers
FNB Maties: Tries: Dewet Marais (3), Hofmeyr Retief, Eric Basson, Jacobus Nel, Conversions: Juan Mostert (4).
FNB UFS Shimlas: Tries: Michael Annies, Pierre Uys, Neels Volschenk, Jandre Nel. Conversions: Ethan Wentzel (2). Penalty: Ethan Wentzel.
FNB Player That Rocks: Louw Nel (FNB Maties)
Teams
FNB Maties: 1 Prince Rotondwa Mulea, 2 Siyasanga Ngubelanga, 3 Friedrich Cornelius Weilbach, 4 Matthys Jacobus Bernardus Kitshoff, 5 Matthew Andrew Gray, 6 Fortune Ntokozo Mpofu, 7 Jacobus Adriaan Louw Nel, 8 Dewet Marais, 9 McKyle Volmoer, 10 Juan Mostert, 11 Matthew van Schalkwyk, 12 Aydon Colin Topley, 13 Ryan Marcus Manuel, 14 Paschal Hans Uzoma Ekeji, 15 Hofmeyr Gideon Retief.
FNB UFS Shimlas: 1 Ntokozo Hlophe, 2 Liyema Mgwigwi, 3 Francisco Dos Reis, 4 Pierre-Raymond Freddie Uys, 5 John Raymond Stopforth, 6 Cornelius Hermanus Smit Volschenk, 7 Katlego Lobakeng, 8 Sobe Siyambuka Nakhane Ningiza, 9 Jandre Nel, 10 Ethan SJ Wentzel, 11 Siviwe Zondani, 12 Gideon Jooste Nel, 13 Zane Bester, 14 Kirwin Curtley Du Preez, 15 Michael Jnr Kurt Annies.