Photo Credit - Varsity Sport
FNB Wits ended FNB UWC’s semi-final hopes with a convincing win (40-10) at the Tuks B-Field. Udubs came into this match full of confidence after thrashing FNB CUT, but two matches in four days appeared to take their toll as FNB Wits claimed just their second win of the campaign.
FNB Wits settled after a choppy opening 10 minutes as flank Mark Snyman forced his way over the line to score a converted try. Yet it would be rough seas for several more minutes, and only after Udubs lost fullback Gilroy Lee Philander to a yellow card, that the men in royal blue would bother the scoreboard again.
The wait proved to be worth it as a cheeky kick from the base of the ruck by scrumhalf Hlumelo Ndudala was hunted down by replacement utility back Siyabonga Xulu. Flyhalf Keagan Lailvaux added the extras.
With immense intent and direction, FNB Wits made it difficult for Udubs to put together any meaningful phases of play and quickly discovered that their attack was more often than not being converted into defence by their opponents.
This was demonstrated when FNB Wits hooker Dameon Venter and No 8 Lindokuhle Ncusane scored tries, with Lailvaux converting the latter to rack a commanding 26-0 half-time lead.
Udubs finally got a reward for their effort when flyhalf Ethan Diston slotted a penalty but this did little to dent the metal chassis of the Wits-mobile as fullback Setshaba Mokoena rounded off a sizzling point-of-origin try.
Yet another lull in play, with tempo set barely above undercooked, was finally broken as Ncusane floated over untouched to score.
Udubs did finish the match with a try when wing Lungi Msenge ran a deft line and replacement hooker Johan Lamprecht kicked the conversion.
FNB Player That Rocks: Mark Snyman (FNB Wits)
FNB Wits – Tries: Mark Snyman, Siyabonga Xulu, Dameon Venter, Lindokuhle Ncusane (2), Setshaba Mokoena (1×7). Conversions: Keagan Lailvaux (4).
FNB UWC – Try: Lungi Msenge. Conversion: Johan Lamprecht. Penalty: Ethan Diston.