FNB Varsity Cup: University of Stellenbosch Maties Edges North West University Pukke in Entertaining Affair

• The University Stellenbosch sealed qualification in the semifinals of this season's FNB Varsity Cup
• Maties had to sweat for their 20-12 win over the North West University Pukke at the Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch
• With that loss, Pukke are now out of the running for a place in the last four of the heated competition

FNB Maties rebounded from a poor start to beat the FNB NWU Eagles 20-12 in round six of the FNB Varsity Cup in Stellenbosch on Monday night.

The contest was an arm-wrestle for much of the first quarter. Eagles captain Sampie Swiegers converted an early opportunity before the hosts responded with a converted try of their own through Sean Swart. In the 25th minute, outside centre Waqar Solaan seized the initiative for his side when he broke the line and set up fullback Nevaldo Fleurs for a stunning try.

As reported on SuperSport, Fleurs slotted the conversion and then two subsequent penalties. Suddenly, FNB Maties were out to a commanding 20-7 lead.

Jubilation at Oshodi Under Bridge as sensational ‘Area Boy’ defeats Canadian High Commissioner in chess game

Other Sports

FNB NWU’s attack was hampered by a series of handling errors over the course of the game. Their lineout misfired and their discipline let them down at key moments.

Their scrum, however, kept them in the contest. After earning some reward from this set piece, and after addressing their lineout and mauling woes, they scored another try through Swiegers in the 61st minute.

Replacement flyhalf Martin Venter missed the ensuing conversion and a late penalty attempt. As a result, the Eagles failed to claim so much as a losing bonus point from the fixture.

FNB Maties – 15 Nevaldo Fleurs, 14 Marcqiewn Titus, 13 Waqar Solaan, 12 Taigh Schoor, 11 Sibabalwe Xamlashe, 10 Adriaan van der Bank (c), 9 Eduan Smit, 8 De Wet Marais, 7 Gift Dlamini, 6 Hendrik du Toit, 5 Matthew Gray, 4 Juan Beukes, 3 Matimu Manganyi, 2 Sean Swart, 1 Rhynardt Rijnsburger.

Subs: 16 Francois Breytenbach, 17 Wian van Zyl, 18 Vernon Matongo, 19 Marco van Rhyn, 20 Siyabonga Matanda, 21 Mckyle Volmoer, 22 Jurie Matthee, 23 Mike Mavovana.

DStv Diski Challenge wrap: Orlando Pirates continues to flounder as Stellenbosch Football Club pounces

Football

FNB NWU Eagles – 15 Heinrich Botha, 14 Keano Windvogel, 13 Tino Swanepoel, 12 Seita Phatudi, 11 Naiden Jaarts, 10 Nivan Petersen, 9 Riaan Genis, 8 André Fouché, 7 Heinz Bertram, 6 Chris Vermaak, 5 Ruben Dreyer, 4 Wihan Nel, 3 Sampie Swiegers (c), 2 Vernon Paulo, 1 Jason Jansen.

Subs: 16 Chyle van Zyl, 17 Ruben du Plessis, 18 Ntobeko Shezi, 19 Marvelous Mashimbyi, 20 Gustav Erlank, 21 Sylvester Hassien, 22 Martin Venter, 23 Pienaar van Niekerk.

FNB Varsity Cup: Joburg rivals UJ and Wits deliver memorable classic in Highveld storm

The University of Johannesburg will hold bragging rights after defeating city rivals University of Witwatersrand in the FNB Varsity Cup.

In a match played during a fierce highveld thunderstorm, UJ had to hang on for dear life in 29-24 victory against the Braamfontein enemy, Sports Brief reported.

Satisfyingly for the home team, the victory moved UJ above Wits on the log table as the race for a top-four finish heated up.