The spectators were treated to a try frenzy as the University of Western Cape (FNB UWC) eased past Walter Sisulu University (FNB WSU) with a dominant 55-10 victory, sealing the Varsity Shield crown for the second year running.
The visitors registered the first points on April 9 through a fifth minute penalty which was successfully kicked over by Lusanda Xakwana who gave his side a 2-0 lead.
That point galvanised the home side, who responded immediately with an incredible individual try by star fullback Tristan Leyds, with the conversion taking the home side to an 8-2 lead after six minutes.
The pressure took its toll on the visitors when Beauton Pholman’s try-preventing high tackle led to the home team being awarded a penalty try in the 14th minute, the lead increasing to 16-2.
Six minutes later, Bronlee Mouries benefitted from a well-executed ruck which saw him powering over the tryline, seeing the Bushies taking a commanding 21-2 lead at the strategy break.
The home side’s dominance continued as a powerful driving maul saw Adriaan Paarwater securing his side’s fourth try of the night. Keagan Fortune’s conversion was spot on this time, extending his side’s lead to 29-2 after 33 minutes.
Kurt-Lee Arendse rounded off the first half onslaught with a try of his own after linking well with Paarwater on the stroke of halftime. Fortune converted to take the scores to 37-2 at the break.
Ten minutes into the second half, the rout continued. Fortune finished off a great team try as the hosts were showing no mercy to their visitors. Fortune missed the conversion, but his team remained in a dominant position with a 42-2 lead.
FNB WSU finally got their first try of the final through Henrico Koester’s effort – 42-10 was the score after 60 minutes.
Leyds completed his brace in the 64th minute after chipping the ball over the defensive lines and he dotted over the line. The conversion was unfortunately missed, leaving the scores at 47-10.
A great flick from the man of the moment Leyds set Lubelo Scott through for his try in the 66th minute, with Fortune’s successful conversion taking the hosts to a comfortable 55-10 lead.
Scott’s try was the final nail in the FNB WSU coffin as FNB UWC completed a dominant season with a gold medal and the Varsity Shield trophy.
Photo: Varsity Sports.
FNB Young Guns final
Jooste Stars as Maties make Young Guns history
FNB Maties claimed their maiden FNB Young Guns title after dethroning defending champions FNB Tuks, with Dan Jooste starring in their 45-37 victory.
The defending champions took control of the game in the early exchanges and were rewarded when winger Cameron Hufke crossed over the white chalk to give FNB Tuks an early lead after a successful conversion, 8-0.
FNB Tuks then made it 16-0 after a great team try in the ninth minute, followed by a successful conversion, with the Pretoria side threatening to run away with the contest.
FNB Maties fought back and earned a try of their own through Jooste after a strong driving maul from the Cape side. Anton du Toit’s successful conversion took the score to 16-8 after the first 21 minutes.
Hufke blazed down the touchline as he picked up his brace and yet another successful conversion, propelling his team to a commanding 24-8 lead going into the halftime break.
Jooste picked up his own brace immediately after the restart as FNB Maties’ forward pack looked strong on attack. Du Toit successfully converted to narrow the deficit to within eight points, 24-16.
The second half’s electrifying start continued as Ben-Jason Dixon surged over the try-line in the 45th minute, the conversion was unfortunately missed this time, leaving the scores at 24-21.
Two minutes later, FNB Tuks Young Guns extended their lead through a great individual effort from Marnus Potgieter. The conversion was missed, with the Pretoria outfit leading 29-21.
Jooste picked up his hat-trick in the 54th minute as the game was heating up. Du Toit’s conversion levelled matters at 29-29, with more tries threatening to come.
Hufke was not to be outdone as he also bagged his hat-trick in the 54th minute in this exhilarating back and forth contest. He successfully converted his own try to propel FNB Tuks to a 37-29 lead.
FNB Maties levelled matters yet again, this time through a great run from Henlo Marais. Du Toit’s conversion was successful, levelling the scores at 37-37 after 57 minutes.
After a quiet period, Jooste was on target again in the 76th minute as he drove over the line to snatch his fourth try of the match, Du Toit’s conversion saw the Cape side leading for the first time in this tie, 37-45.
That proved to be the final twist in this exciting match up as FNB Maties held on to claim a historic victory.
Also Read:
https://www.citizen.co.za/alberton-record/173717/seven-a-side-soccer-tournament/
https://www.citizen.co.za/alberton-record/173388/lions-embark-on-seasoned-players/
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