Historic Pirates Grand Challenge victory for Wits Rugby
- Suparugby
Wits University turned back the clock 52 years when they bagged the Pirates Grand Challenge the first time since 1967
The Witsies beat defending champions, NWU Puk 36-33 in a tense final at Alberton Rugby Club.
It was a game of contrasts with the Witsies scoring six tries with their exciting backs while the Puk fought back with their forwards.
Winger Lwazi Monakali scored twice for the victors and Kwanele Ngema once.
Fullback Daniel Kasende scored a blinder from fullback while young Matthew Macdonald also crossed the whitewash.
The only contribution on the scoreboard by s forward was a try by flanker Alex Skudder.
They led 29-12 at one stage but Pukke launched attack after attack with their forwards.
Tries by Duren Fillies and Boeta Piater brought them right back in the game to trail only by three points.
Monakali’s second try secured Wits’ victory and it was all over when James Mao-Cheia scored a consellation try.
Scorers:
Wits: Tries: Lwazi Monakali (2), Kwanele Ngema, Daniel Kasende, Matthew Macdonald, Alex Skudder. Conversions: Christian Humphries (3).
Pukke: Tries: JP Wegner, Stefan Nel, Boeta Piater, Duren Fillies, James Mao-Cheia. Conversions: Marco Donges (4).
