The much anticipated FNB Varsity Cup challenge saw University of Johannesburg (UJ) duel against Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) on 8 February at UJ.
The crowd, which was dominated by UJ supporters roared with exciting cheer, “UJ All The Way!” The rugby players from both universities ran onto the field in a glory of smoke and sparks. Game play began with not much action in terms of scoring for the first 15 minutes.
And the game begins @NewsNMT @varsitycup pic.twitter.com/WsqtLvAaCT
— Ashtyn Mackenzie (@AshtynMackenzie) February 8, 2016
UJ was first to make it onto the score board by reaching the first penalty of the game at 3 – 0. Strong wind, rain and lightening hindered game play momentarily. NMMU resumed play with renewed spirits after the weather break.
Home team UJ upped the ante with their second penalty in the game leaving the score at 6 – 0 to UJ. NMMU continued to put up a strong offensive side which resulted in a converted penalty before half time with a score of 6 – 3.
Another two penalties were scored by UJ after the half-time break taking the score to 9 – 3.
The first try of the match was taken by NMMU resulting in a conversion that equalised the score at 12 – 12. UJ did not take this lightly and retaliated with a successful conversion and took the lead at 19 – 12.
The game ended with 19 – 12 to UJ, which ensued in ground-thumping celebrations from the UJ ‘orange army’ with cheers of ‘UJ All the Way’.
