FNB WSU consolidated their fourth position on the log after they edged FNB CPUT 23-19 in Bellville. The scores were tied 12-all at the half-time break.
An early first-half onslaught from the home side saw them holding most of the ball and playing most of the rugby deep inside WSU territory, resulting in Keenan Williams powering across the try line for the first score of the match.
Ntsako Mhlanga then dove across at full length from close range after being denied earlier. Keewan Titus succeeded with the conversion attempt. This handed CPUT a 12-point lead heading into the final five minutes of the opening half.
WSU levelled matters through tries from Maxwell Klaasen and Asisipho Jim with Klaasen converting one.
The opening minutes of the second half belonged to WSU’s defensive resolve which meant CPUT had to work hard to get any points. It eventually came when Ayabulela Zono dove across the try line from a ruck that formed just metres under the crossbar. Jayson January added the extras.
A penalty and an unconverted try by Klaasen, which completed his brace, handed WSU a one-point lead as the final quarter of the match approached. He slotted another one to seal the victory with four minutes left on the clock.
Scorers:
FNB WSU: Tries: Maxwell Klaasen (2), Asisipho Jim. Conversion: Maxwell Klaasen. Penalties: Maxwell Klaasen (2)
FNB CPUT: Tries: Keenan Williams, Ntsako Mhlanga, Ayabulela Zono. Conversions: Keewan Titus, Jayson January.
FNB Player That Rocks: Maxwell Andrews (FNB WSU)
Teams:
FNB WSU: 1 Sinethemba Zwelonke, 2 Yandisa Myokwana, 3 Ayabonga Spelt, 4 Lutho Mampunye, 5 Kamva Tetani, 6 Khanya Solani, 7 Pernell Mandes, 8 Esethu Zenani, 9 Esenam Mniki, 10 Maxwell Klaasen, 11 Bulelani Nondlwana, 12 Hlumelo Zitha,13 Awonke Sondishe, 14 Asisipho Jim, 15 Beon Frendel Hartnick.
FNB CPUT: 1 Emihle Akho Benya, 2 Lihle Lindisipho Kula, 3 Kieran Delaan Naidoo, 4 Ntsako Ashley Mhlanga, 5 Lwando Woji, 6 Duke Somila Shasha, 7 Lungelo Lethukuthula Kubheka, 8 Ayabulela Zono, 9 Jayson January, 10 Keewan Titus, 11 Keenan Williams, 12 Wiehan Kruger, 13 Iwaan Bloys, 14 Danielle Israel Padiachy, 15 Keene Munnick.