FNB NWU Eagles secured a home semi-final following a hard-fought 30-18 victory over FNB UCT Ikeys at the Fanie du Toit Sports Ground in Potchefstroom.
The Eagles started the game blazing with a try from Hennie du Randt following a brilliant run by Naiden Jaarts. Ikeys was quick to respond with a try from Ntokozo Makhaza to reduce the deficit. It didn’t take long for the home side to extend their lead with Luan Van Der Walt scoring a try from close range following long periods of Eagles’ possession.
Two quick-fire penalties from Ikeys’ left wing Ntokozo Makhaza took the score to 16-13. Minutes later Chyle Van Zyl gave the Eagles a 21-13 lead heading into half-time.
The beginning of the second half was slow as there were no tries scored in the first 25 minutes. Johan Lombard then gave UCT some hope with a try. It was a nervy end to the game but a try from Naiden Jaarts sealed the victory for the Eagles to finish at the top of the log.
Scorers:
FNB NWU Eagles: Tries: Hennie du Randt, Naiden Jaarts, Luan Van Der Walt, Chyle Van Zyl. Conversions: Zinedine Robinson (2), Charles Williams.
FNB UCT Ikeys: Tries: Ntokozo Makhaza, Johan Lombard. Conversion: Ntokoza Makhaza. Penalties: Ntokozo Makhaza (2).
FNB Player That Rocks: Hennie du Randt (FNB NWU)
Teams
FNB NWU Eagles: 1 Matome Molebogeng Manyama, 2 Chyle Van Zyl, 3 Ntobeko Thabiso Shezi, 4 Stephan Krugel, 5 Franco Marais, 6 Hennie Du Randt, 7 Tian Van Zyl, 8 Marvelous Mashimbyi, 9 Aphelele Emihle Madaka, 10 Zinedine Robinson, 11 Naiden Jaarts, 12 Arnoldus Christiaan Vlok, 13 Matthew Luke Fortuin, 14 Keano Ricardo Windvogel, 15 Luan Jacobus Van Der Walt.
FNB UCT Ikeys: 1 Mhleli Khethuxolo Khuzwayo, 2 Keagan Jordan Blanckenberg, 3 Jovan Bekker, 4 Kyle Enos Ndiao, 5 Johan Van Rhyn, 6 Siphumezo Dyonase, 7 Mika Franz Schubert, 8 Laro Delport, 9 Asad Moos, 10 Alexander Vermeulen, 11 Ntokozo Sibusiso Makhaza, 12 Rethabile Donovan Louw, 13 Thomas Nel, 14 Luke John Burger, 15 Duran Ryan Koevort.