FNB WSU snapped a three-game losing streak when they beat arch-rivals FNB UFH 29-5 at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdanstsane. The half-time score was 17-05.
The hosts started on a high note when they took an early lead in the eighth minute thanks to a storming try by inside centre Hlumelo Zitha. He would quickly turn villain however following a dangerous tackle straight from the kick-off following his try.
A little dink by All-Black flyhalf Maxwell Curtley Klaasen four minutes later saw WSU fullback Beon Fernell Hartnick finish off a well-executed move that emanated from a line-out close to the opposition try line.
The Fort Hare Blues, through left-wing speedster Hlumelo Pangwa, scored a try of their own in the corner in the 28th minute to see the visitors restore some dignity.
One of WSU’s most impressive players of the season, Mangaliso Zixesha, would open his account with a quintessential hooker try after finishing off a rolling maul.
Yet another enthralling backline try by WSU would see Hartnick cross the whitewash for his second try increasing the lead to 24 – 5 just after the players returned to the field following the half-time break.
Zixesha added his second try following a rolling maul in the 56th minute.
Scorers:
FNB WSU: Tries: Mangaliso Zixesha (2), Beon Fernell Hartnick (2), Hlumelo Zitha. Conversion: Maxwell Curtley Klaasen
FNB UFH: Try: Hlumolo Pangwan.
FNB Player That Rocks: Khanya Solani (FNB WSU)
Teams:
FNB WSU: 1 Ayabonga Masivuye Spelt, 2 Mangaliso Zixesha, 3 Sinethemba Zwelonke, 4 Kamva Tetani, 5 Lutho Mampunye, 6 Khanya Solani, 7 Pernell Mervian Mandes, 8 Esethu Zenani, 9 Esenam Mniki, 10 Maxwell Curtley Klaasen, 11 Achumile Sikho Gaushe, 12 Hlumelo Zitha, 13 Awonke Sondishe, 14 Bulelani Amyoli Nondlwana, 15 Beon Frendel Hartnick.
FNB UFH: 1 Mesuli Sinovuyo Samkele Nzima, 2 Kamvelihle Fatyela, 3 Bulela Magopeni, 4 Mpho Kensly Jnr Ramahala, 5 Cinga Nqotyana, 6 Anda Simanga, 7 Kamvelihle Gcweka, 8 Yanga Gazi, 9 Sinalo Jivana, 10 Apiwe Sidloyi, 11 Okuhle Pangwa, 12 Ryan Kelly Maree,13 Lakheni Majali, 14 Bulumko Mfundisi, 15 Cyril Mphatsoe.