The FNB North-West University (NWU) Eagles secured a dramatic, hard-fought 56 -53 victory over the FNB University of Cape Town (UCT) Ikeys on Monday, 20 March in front of a boisterous crowd at the Fanie Du Toit Stadium. In a game of two halves, defined by moments of magic and mistakes, the Eagles were waiting in the wings.  

UCT Ikeys muted the home fans in the first 30 seconds of the game, scoring a nine-pointer to take an early lead. The Eagles’ response came through a well-orchestrated try past UCT’s defensive line and a conversion, earning their five points of the game.

The Cape Town side proved a thorn in the Eagles’ side, dominating the first half and dictating the pace of the game by piling on the tries to take a 39 -20 lead into halftime. 
Heading into the second half, the Eagles showed grit and the spirit, striking back with a try within the opening minute. The visitors continued to on pile on the pressure, but the stubborn Eagles’s defence remained resilient. Tries by Logan Janeke and substitute MJ Mostert reduced the NWU Eagles’ deficit, thereby launching their comeback.

A late try and the kicking prowess of MJ gave the Eagles their first lead of the game, completing a historic comeback for the Purple Army. MJ was awarded the FNB Player of the match for his impact after being introduced.  With this win, the NWU Eagles will host FNB Maties in a thrilling semi-final fixture on Monday, 6 April in Potchefstroom.  

NWU Eagles scorers: Gary Otto, Jordan McLoughlin, Luan van der Walt, Zack Serfontein, Logan Jeneke (2), MJ Mostert (2)

NWU FNB Eagles: Alethwa Buthelezi, Jordan McLoughlin, Jason Oosthuizen, Sthephan Krugel, Rianel Turner, Ricardo Fourie, Schalk du Plessis, Guhan Du Bois, Zack Serfontein, Ruan van Willing, Logan Janeke, Leejay Peterson, Matthew Fortuin, Luyolo Doyi, Luan van der Walt

Reserves: Hanro Venter, Bradley Stanfliet, Carlo van Wijk, Zihan Bensch, Sean Roulston, Gary Otto, MJ Mostert, Jamiane Dampies

The NWU Eagles secured a 56 -53 victory over UCT Ikeys.