FNB UFS Shimlas claimed a vital 24-12 bonus point victory over FNB Wits at a wet Wits Rugby Stadium in Johannesburg.
The game kicked off in a cagey manner with both teams playing with caution on a wet surface. It was the Witsies that enjoyed early possession, but they failed to convert it into points, often being pegged back by handling errors.
Once Shimlas got into their groove, it was evident they would pose a threat to the Wits defence. First blood was drawn by the visitors, when hooker Liyema Mgwigwi dove over from close range, after playing through the phases. Flyhalf Ethan Wentzel made light work of the conversion, adding the extra 2 points to give his side a 7-0 lead.
Speedster Siviwe Zondani added his name to the scoresheet after a well-worked team play that Zondani rounded off under the poles. Wentzel once again rose to the occasion and the visitors went into the half-time break 14-0.
UFS managed to score again after the second strategy through fullback Michael Annies.
Wits hit back shortly with Drew Bennet sliding over after receiving an incredible pass from outside centre Liyema Matyolweni.
The much-needed bonus point try for Shimlas was scored by Gideon Nel, with the resulting conversion attempt striking the upright.
Wits got a consolation try in the last move of the game, with flanker Kelvin Kanenungo barging his way over to see the match end 24-12 in favour of Shimlas.
Scorers:
FNB UFS-Shimlas: Tries: Liyema Mgwigwi, Siviwe Zondani, Michael Annies, Gideon Nel. Conversions: Ethan Wentzel (2).
FNB Wits: Tries: Drew Bennet, Kelvin Kanenungo. Conversion: x1
FNB Player That Rocks: Ethan Wentzel (FNB Shimlas)
Teams
FNB UFS-Shimlas: 1 Ntokozo Hlophe, 2 Liyema Mgwigwi, 3 Francisco Dos Reis, 4 Reinier Juan Martin Viljoen, 5 John Raymond Stopforth,6 Sobe Siyambuka Nakhane Ningiza, 7 Pierre-Raymond Freddie Uys, 8 Kwezi Dlamini, 9 Jandre Nel, 10 Ethan SJ Wentzel, 11 Siviwe Zondani, 12 Gideon Jooste Nel, 13 Zane Bester, 14 Asanda Sihle Kunene, 15Michael Jnr Kurt Annies.
FNB Wits: 1 Elizee Kwitonda, 2 Dewet Lottering, 3 Sibusiso Thando Shongwe, 4 George Lawson St Leger Devenish, 5 Cal Smid, 6 Kelvin Tafirenika Kanenungo, 7 Joshua Daniel Ferreira, 8 Lindokuhle Ncusane, 9 Wernich Aucamp, 10 Tireque Caleb Apolles, 11 Lindani Dweba, 12 Mark Dilan Snyman, 13 Luhle Liyema Matyolweni, 14 Dustyn Matthew Holmes, 15 Setshaba Mohlakoane Mokoena.
