FNB UCT and FNB Wits share spoils to remain unbeaten
- Andile Majola
The Ikey Tigers survived a late onslaught by FNB Wits to share the spoils as both sides remain undefeated in the competition.
In Round 5 of the FNB Varsity Cup, FNB UCT returned to the Green Mile to host their northern rivals FNB Wits. With both sides coming into the match undefeated thus far in the competition, the match started off as a cagey affair.
Wits, playing against the wind, did incredibly well to hold on to possession as they forced the Ikey Tigers onto the defensive. Eventually the home side conceded a penalty in a kickable area and Kurt Webster made no mistake slotting the kick, putting Wits on the scoreboard.
The home side responded through a fantastic try by fullback Athi Gazi, as he beat two defenders on his way over the whitewash to score the Ikey Tigers first points of the match. James Tedder added the extras and UCT went into the break in the lead with the score at 7-3.
In the second half it was the home side who dominated both territory and possession in the early stages. James Tedder kicked over a penalty in the 53rd minute to extend the Ikey Tigers’ lead to 10-3.
Wits continued to push for a try of their own but were met by a defiant UCT defence. Lock Emmanuel Tshituka eventually broke through, late in the game, to set up a thrilling finale courtesy of Webster's conversion.
Capetonian Aidynn Cupido broke the line late on in what looked to be a game changing moment for Wits with just seconds left on the clock, but the home side were able to shut down the attack as they earned their second draw in succession to hold onto their playoff place.
Awards
FNB Player That Rocks: David Meihuizen (FNB UCT)
Steers Kinging Moment: Athi Gazi (FNB UCT)
Scorers
FNB UCT: 10 (7)
Tries: Athi Gazi
Conversion: James Tedder 1
Penalty: James Tedder 1
FNB Wits: 10 (3)
Tries: Emmanuel Tshituka
Conversion: Kurt Webster
Penalty: Kurt Webster
Teams
FNB UCT: 15 Athi Gazi, 14 Gerard Pieterse, 13 Liam Furniss, 12 Michael Brink, 11 Rayno Mapoe, 10 James Tedder, 9 Kyle Bowman, 8 Liam Greenhalgh (captain), 7 Busanda Mabena, 6 Nama Xaba, 5 David Meihuizen, 4 Gary Porter, 3 Luthando Woji, 2 Cuan Hablutzel, 1 Ashwyn Adams.
Replacements: 16 Josh van Vuuren, 17 Devon Arendse, 18 Gugu Nelani, 19 Byron Bowes, 20 Byron Cranswick, 21 Liam Kloosman, 22 Godfrey Ramaboea, 23 Sebastian Roodt.
Coach: Tom Dawson-Squibb
FNB Wits: 15 Daniel Kasende, 14 Kwanele Ngema, 13 Yanga Hlalu, 12 Aidynn Cupido, 11 Lwazi Monakali, 10 Kurt Webster, 9 Runaldo Pedro, 8 Travis Gordon, 7 Cal Smid, 6 Constant Beckerling, 5 Emmanuel Tshituka, 4 Kevin du Randt, 3 Keagan Glade, 2 Justin Brandon (captain), 1 Jason Cloete.
Replacements: 16 Mulalo Sadiki, 17 Ebot Buma, 18 Cornel Greeff, 19 William Thomson, 20 Ziyanda Msipha, 21 Hlumelo Ndudula, 22 Christian Humphries, 23 Sicelo Champion
Coach: Hugo van As