FNB UJ managed to beat rivals FNB Wits in an enthralling game to solidify their top four spot in the 2017 FNB Varsity Cup, presented by Steinhoff International.
The opening half of the Johannesburg derby went in the way of FNB Wits early on as they scored an early penalty through Warren Gilbert, and were a man up as FNB UJ starlet Aphiwe Dyanti received a yellow card in the opening five minutes. FNB UJ was up for the task as flyhalf Divan Nel also converted a penalty and it was soon 3-3.
The home side then needed assistance from the TMO, and the referee awarded the try courtesy of Jo-Hanko de Villiers to go 8-3 ahead. Warren Gilbert of FNB Wits closed the gap with a penalty and keep the game within reach. FNB UJ pounced on some hesitant defending and Jaco Fourie managed to block a kick as the ball bounced in his favour to touch down for a try. Divan Nel scored the conversion from an acute angle to make 15-6.
FNB Wits stormed through with a powerful maul and the home side was left flat footed. Their try was converted by hooker CJ Conradie, and the captain made no mistake with the conversion, 15-13. At this stage FNB Wits were playing like the home side, as their away supporters, who came out in numbers, spurred them on and they eventually took the lead thanks to Ruan Cloete. FNB Wits led 18-15. FNB clawed back thanks to Divan Nel and the match was perfectly poised at 18-18 heading into halftime.
The tightly contested match could afford no margin for error and FNB UJ took a slender advantage with another penalty for Divan Nel.
The match was reaching its climax and the stadium filled to capacity was anticipating an epic finale. With the score at 21-18 to FNB UJ, the home side scored the try that mattered as Adrian Bester touched with a vital five-pointer, and Divan Nel scored the conversion. The score was now 28-18. There was, however, to be a final twist in the tale as FNB Wits powered through again from a maul and were narrowly behind 28-23.
FNB UJ eventually won the match 28-23.
FNB Player that Rocks: Jo-Hanko de Villiers (FNB UJ)
Varsity Cup results:
FNB UJ 28 FNB Wits 23
FNB CUT 44 FNB Maties 73
FNB Shimlas 23 FNB Madibaz 7
FNB Tuks 51FNB Ikeys 23
Varsity Shield results:
FNB WSU 24 FNB UWC 46
FNB UKZN 31 FNB Rhodes 13
FNB CPUT 39 FNB UFH 18
FNB Varsity Shield semi-finals will take place on Monday, March 27. Both matches kick off at 18:30.
FNB UWC vs FNB WSU at UWC Stadium, Bellville
FNB UFH vs FNB UKZN at Davidson Stadium, Alice
For free daily local news in the south, visit our sister newspapers Alberton Record, Comaro Chronicle, Southern Courier and Get it Joburg South Magazine.
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. You can also email our offices on cvdwalt@caxton.co.za, juliem@caxton.co.za or luckyt@caxton.co.za
Add us on WhatsApp today! Alberton Record: 060 644 5264 Comaro Chronicle: 079 427 8074 and Southern Courier: 079 404 5789.
