The FNB NWU Eagles maintained their impressive form by defeating the FNB UP-Tuks 30-22 in Monday night's Varsity Cup encounter at the Fanie Fortress, thereby climbing to the top of the Varsity Cup log.
The NWU Eagles set the tone early on, scoring a polished try and adding a penalty conversion in the seventh minute to establish an early lead in front of a cheerful home crowd. UP-Tuks attempted an immediate response, but the Eagles stood their ground and protected their lead.
The Eagles extended their lead midway through the first half with another try, followed by a well-executed penalty, pushing the score to 16-0 by the 20th minute. They continued to attack and, by the 27th minute, had stretched the lead to 23-0 with another try and successful conversion.
Just before the halftime break, UP-Tuks broke through the Eagles’ defence to earn their first five points.
The second half saw end-to-end action, with UP-Tuks getting off to a strong start. The visitors struck early to narrow the score to 23-10. The Eagles responded by gliding through the visitors’ defence for another exciting try and penalty conversion, stretching their lead to 30-10.
UP-Tuks added seven points at the 63rd minute mark, changing the scoreboard to 30-17. The visitors continued to fight and were rewarded with a late try, reducing the deficit to eight points and changing the score to 30-22. Despite the nail-biting performance in the second half, the Eagles secured the win, reaffirming the Fanie du Toit Sportsground as a fortress.
Zack Serfontein was named the FNB Player that rocks for his unbelievable performance and eagle vision.
Scorers:
FNB NWU Eagles: (23) 30 tires: Zack Serfontein, Leejay Peterson, Jordan Mcloughlin, Andile Myeni, Luan van der Walt.
FNB UP-Tuks: (5) 22 Tires: Akha Mjalwule, Gustav van der Merwe x2
FNB NWU Eagles: Alethwa Buthelezi, Jordan McLoughlin, Jason Oosthuizen, Tian van Zyl, Rianel Turner, Ricardo Fourie, Schalk van Schalkwyk (C) Guhan du Bois, Zack Serfontein, Ruan van Willing, Therlow Prins, Leejay Petersen, Matthew Fortuin, Luyolo Doyi, Luan van der Walt.
Reserves: Hanro Venter, Lechance Tchokonte-Nana, Jaco du Toit, Schalk du Plessis, Sean Roulston, Gary Otto, MJ Mostert, Logan Janeke.
FNB NWU YGs dominate Maties in Stellenbosch
The FNB NWU YGs extended their unbeaten away run with a resounding 34-17 victory against the FNB Maties at the Danie Craven Stadium in their round four Varsity Cup Young Guns fixture. This crucial win puts the NWU YGs in first place in Group B, with a one-point lead over the FNB-Tuks YGs in second place.
The FNB NWU YGs will travel to Cape Town on Monday, 23 March to face the FNB UCT YGs at the Green Mile, aiming to secure top spot.
FNB NWU YGs: Kian Rademeyer, De Wet du Plooy, Botshelo Motsepe, Enrich Potgieter, Zuan Rautenbach, Liebretcht Winterbach, Adrian Freemantle, J-cop van Engelen, Dian Smith, Marno Greeff, David Ndala, Mathew Seymore, Sbabalwe Magwebu, Vuyo Tshingana, Anele Ngwenya.
Reserves: Hubert Winterbach, Robert John-onsunkwo, Marinus Oosthuizen, Raluano Ramano, GJ Steenberg, Marcwin Nero, Jhanco de Beer, Lorenzo Snyers.
Zack Serfontein receives his FNB Player that rocks prize
