A brave fightback from the University of the Western Cape helped them edge the University of Johannesburg 29–17.
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) went down for the sixth time in seven matches as they lost to the University of the Western Cape (UWC). The loss took them back to the second last position on the log with one more game to go. Although the result was a nightmare for UJ, it was a memory that the boys from the Western Cape will remember forever as it was their first win in the Varsity Cup tournament.
UWC restricted their opponents to just two tries, one of which was scored virtually after the full-time siren had gone. Apart from two brilliant breaks from visiting flank Adrian Bester, and a solo break by UWC flyer Tristan Leyds there was not much to cheer about in the opening 20 minutes. The first points of the match came right at the start of the first strategy break when UJ’s Mashudu Raphunga slotted a fairly easy penalty attempt. The few line breaks were about the only highlights in the first quarter of the match.
A lapse in concentration by the visitors was pounced on by the men from Bellville. The 2018 Varsity Shield champions were rewarded with an excellent attacking position, metres from the try line of UJ. Five phases of relentless pick-up-and-drives from the forwards soon paid dividends. Aidynn Cupido dived over for the opening try of the match. The flyhalf had to stretch and fight off his opposite number as well as inside centre Wynard Botha. Cupido converted his own try, handing UWC a slender 7–3 lead as the final 10 minutes of the first half neared.
The second half of the game was kicked off with a try by UWC’s Lyle Hendricks followed by a successful conversion and penalty by Cupido. UJ’s winless looked to be continued following tries by both Justin Theys and Labib Kannemeyer. Although UJ scored a seven-point try in the 80th minute, it wasn’t enough for them to stage a comeback.
UJ now prepare for their final match of the season with no chance of making it to the next round. They will face the University of the Free State in their final home game of the season on 1 April.
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