Log leaders Wits crush Madibaz as FNB Varsity Shield Round 5 produces fireworks

FNB Wits strengthened their grip at the top of the FNB Varsity Shield standings after Round 5, demolishing FNB Madibaz 63-8. In another high-scoring clash, FNB UFH delivered a tremendous display of grit and determination at Suzuki Stadium, overpowering FNB SPU to boost their hopes of avoiding relegation.

FNB WSU produced a clinical first-half performance before holding off a spirited second-half comeback from FNB CPUT to secure victory in Bellville. Meanwhile, a strong first-half surge from the Caracals proved enough to seal a hard-fought win in a tight contest at Peter Booysen Stadium.

FNB Madibaz 8- 63 FNB Wits

There was only one thing hotter than the weather in Gqeberha on Friday afternoon and that was the form of FNB Wits. The build-up to this top-of-the-table clash was massive but 20 minutes into the first half it quickly became clear that there was only one side in it.

The visitors’ tries came thick and fast after Layron Milborrow gave FNB Madibaz the early lead through a penalty. No 8 Liam Santos got the try-fest underway, followed by a powerful run down the right and dot-down by wing Dustyn Holmes - the first of his three five-pointers of the afternoon.

The pressure continued building on FNB Madibaz, leading to infringements that saw two of their players binned within minutes of one another.

FNB Wits smelled blood and spread the ball from their own 22. FNB Madibaz were back-pedalling and had little chance of stopping the momentum, with Wits flanker Christopher Kachungunu cantering in for his first try.

Santos scored his second 12 minutes before the break and when prop Meyer Opperman added one of his own just before the half-time hooter the writing was already on the wall.

The second stanza went the same way as the first.

Holmes ran in for his second before Wits finally made a tap option count. Replacement prop Ricardo Brandao barged over for the first of his two tries after the visitors moved the ball quickly.

Holmes brought up his hattrick with a sensational bit of skill, catching a kick-pass in the in-goal area and having the strength and presence of mind to get it down in time.

Kachungunu, wing Lindani Dweba and Brandao all crossed the whitewash in the last quarter to seal what can only be described as a crushing victory for the FNB Varsity Shield log leaders.

SCORERS

FNB Madibaz: (3) 8

Tries: Bahle Cengani

FNB Wits: (29) 63

Tries: Dustyn Holmes X3, Liam Santos X2, Christopher Kachungunu X2, Meyer Opperman, Ricardo Brandao X2, Lindani Dweba.

FNB Player of the Match: Dustyn Holmes (FNB Wits)

TEAMS:

FNB Madibaz: Imibongo Mvuleni, Kyle Erasmus, Aj Flemming, Luan Verster, Calvin Bosch, Corne Cloete, Dewald Gerber, Sean Van Zijl, Cameron Doyle, Layron Milborrow, Cole Hilpert, Qurin Cupido, Edward Kruger, Jaden Witbooi, Caleb Friskin.

FNB Wits: Ronan Dutton, Bonga Nxumalo, Meyer Opperman, Lian Terblanche, Hayden Munnery, Adem Niewoudt, Christopher Kachungunu, Liam Santos, Bryce Samuel, Matthew Coetzee, Lindani Dweba, Tirhani Masondo, Keith Chirwa, Dustyn Holmes, Latica Nela.

FNB SPU 34-61 FNB UFH

A tremendous display of guts and determination from the visitors FNB UFH powered them over the line in what proved to be a crucial battle to avoid the drop. From the opening minutes, the match delivered hard-hitting action, with both teams showing plenty of physicality.

The home side FNB SPU struck first when they were awarded a penalty try in just the second minute, adding the conversion to take an early 7-0 lead.

The home team added to the score board in the 7^th minute of the game with Devian Ambrose dotting down a simple try after some great work from the backline and it looked like FNB SPU would run riot on the day. 

However, after the strategy break the away team showed up with a clear game plan and a mastered mind, one of the most amazing comebacks we have witnessed at the Sukuzi Stadium. 

From the 25^th minute of the game FNB UFH took the game away from FNB SPU scoring a try from their loose head prop Elihle Mshemla to bring them back in the game, they added to that with a power play try to make it 12-10 and before the crowd could even take a breath they added another try by their full back Ukho Nomsatha, he brought the stadium with a highlight reel of a try that should live long in the memory of those in attendance, 12-15 to FNB UFH. They took the power play and drove home the advantage to make it 12-20. 

FNB UFH further silenced the home crowd when left wing Alizwa Majila crossed for their third try of the evening, stretching the visitors’ lead to 27-12. The momentum looked firmly in UFH’s favour as they controlled much of the first half.

However, just before the break, FNB SPU struck back through their flyhalf, who produced a brilliant breakaway try to keep the hosts within touching distance. At half-time, the scoreboard read FNB SPU 17-27 FNB UFH, with the visitors holding a valuable lead heading into the second half.

The onslaught continued in the second half of the game as FNB UFH added more pain to the home team by adding to the score board with a penalty try in the 42^nd minute of the second half. They added another try quickly after that by an error from SPU which was picked up by Bulumko Mfundisi to make the score 44-17. 

FNB SPU scored their first try of the half in the 50^th minute to make it  44-22. This was quickly cancelled out by FNB UFH with a penalty try. FNB UFH made sure of the game with a break away try from their scrum half Anongile Yeye to make the game FNB UFH 54-22 FNB SPU with 20 minutes to play.

They put the final nail in the coffin in the 66^th minute with their final try of the game with another brilliant try by one of the main characters of the night, fullback Ukho Nomsatha to end the game as a contest. 

FNB SPU tried to stage a late comeback with the first of two tries by number 22 Keletso Seoposengwe who was a late substitute and that was followed by another quick try by Dwayne Lubbe to make it 34-61 with 5 minutes remaining on the clock.

However, FNB SPU lost both power plays and that took the wind out the sails and the men from Alice took the win to break the hearts of those in attendance at the Sukuzi stadium.  

SCORERS: 

FNB SPU: (17) 34

Tries: Devian Ambrose, Chadwin Sellidon, Keletso Seoposengwe, Dwayne Lubbe, Tumi Papane, Penalty Try.

FNB UFH: (27) 61

Tries: Elihle Mtshemla, Bulumko Mfundisi, Alizwa Majila, Ukho Nomsatha X2, Anda Simanga, Abongile Yeye, PT-PP, Penalty Try.

FNB Player of the Match: Ukho Nomsatha (FNB UFH)

TEAMS:

FNB SPU: Liam Harmse, Ntokozo Ndwalane, Aiden Holtzhausen, Jacobus Johannes Fourie, Joshus Vomberg, Tyron (C) China, Kabelo Keagile, Devine Ambrose, Aswen Rademeyer, Chadwin Sellidon, Raees Sahabodien, Liyabona Maplanga, Jaiden (V) Faviers, Michael Prinsloo, Calvin Paulsen.

FNB UFH: Elihle Mtshemla, Bunono Jamani, Liyabona Matyana, Mpho Ramahala, Liyema Hitane, Alizwa Majila, Anda Simanga, Iminathi Macoli, Abongile Yey, Salusiwe Gxekwa, Liyema Ngoyi, Lisolethu Jali, Takudzwa Rushiza, Buluko Mfundisi, Ukho Nomsatha.

FNB UKZN 15-22 FNB UWC

It was an entertaining first half comeback by FNB UWC who scored four points after going 15 points down to none in the first 15 minutes of the game in Pietermaritzburg, KZN. The visitors managed to secure a bonus point victory after the score ended 22-15 with all points coming in the first half. 

FNB UKZN were the ones to draw the first punches of the match courtesy of their flankers, Lonwabo Nkalitshana and Ndabezinhle Ngubane as the home team opted for a tap power play which was successful, less than 5 minutes into the game. 

Impi piled in the pressure to secure their third try of the match from a heavy maul which was finished off by their hooker Jordan Ramsamy. By the time the first strategy break came, Impi was leading by 15-0. 

The match was to see a different tale in the second part of the first half as FNB UWC came back stronger. 

FNB Caracals managed to get their points as Marciano Forbes dotted down from a quick try after the restart. The men from the Cape failed to do anything in their attempt to use their tap power play. 

FNB UWC came strong again on the home side 10 minutes later as Graigon Matroos shoved his man to make his way to the try line touch down. The power play was activated by the visitors, and their second attempt was successful as Hlomla Ncana received a champagne pass from out wide to dot down taking the score to a 15–15 tie. 

Right at the end of the half, FNB UWC were not done as they used the momentum of the game to their advantage. 8th Man Anele Magadla went in physically on the Impi defender carrying him successfully to go over and under the poles for the fourth and last try of the match. Fullback Aaron Swartz made no mistake on the conversion kick, taking the score to a close 22–15 score to the visitors at the break. 

The second came with a lot of physicality as both teams tried their best and were very close to getting something but close was not enough. 

FNB UKZN used the last ten minutes attacking high up the field of play but the Caracals deep defense was up to the task as they were able to hold the lead down. 

The match ended in a close one, the victory belonging to the visiting team.

SCORERS

FNB UKZN: (15) 15

Tries: Lonwabo Nkalintshana, Ndabezinhle Ngubane, Jordan Ramsamy 

FNB UWC: (22) 22

Tries: Marciano Forbes, Graigon Matroos, Hlomla Ncana, Anele Magadla.

FNB Player of the Match: Aaron Swartz (FNB UWC)

FNB UKZN: Prince Nyathi, Jordan Raamsamy, Ulrich Walker, Amu Rennenuenim , Tylo Madaat, Lonwabo Nkalintshana, Ndabezinhle Ngubane, Nhlakanipho Buthelezi, Lian Lochner, Juan Viljoen, Eloko Kayekeze, Frederick Malgas, Ntobeko Mhlongo, Jovawn Visagie, Siso France. 

FNB UWC: Hlonela Qelile, Marciano Forbes, Graigan Matroos, Logan Fortuin, Melumzi Mandongana, Melvin Diedericks, Danston Cloeteof, Anele Magadla, Fra-Neeco Baron, Nhlamulo Shilubane, Leachim Adams, Denver Van Wyk, Hlomla Ncana, Juma Amisi, Aaron Swartz.

FNB CPUT 22-34 FNB WSU

FNB WSU produced a clinical first half performance before holding off a spirited second-half comeback from FNB CPUT to claim a 34-22 victory at Cape Peninsula University of Technology.

The All Blacks opened the scoring early in the game when Sandisiwe Mkwayimba crossed the line for a clean try and Isiphe Mbini added the conversion to give the visitors an early lead.

Mkwayimba struck again in the finishing off another attacking move to extend their advantage. The successful tap and kick play pushed the score even further for the vistors.

Just before the break, Lukhangele Tshayi added to the troubles of the Blue Wave with a try followed by a successful conversion, sending FNB WSU into halftime with a commanding lead.

The Blue Wave came out with renewed energy in the second half with Jacquin Jacobus powering over for the hosts’ first try of the evening, with the tap and kick play successful to narrow the gap between the teams.

Momentum began to swing towards FNB CPUT just five minutes later when Yibanathi Daki crossed the line and Reuben Noble calmly slotted the conversion to bring the home side within touching distance.

However, FNB WSU regained control when Tshayi grabbed his second try of the match. The successful tap and play restored breathing room for the visitors, extending the score for them.

FNB CPUT continued to push until the final moments and were rewarded in the dying moments of the game when Noah Pekeur scored a late try, the tap and kick attempt was unsuccessful, leaving the final score at 34-22.

Despite the loss, FNB CPUT's second-half fightback showed resilience, while FNB WSU's dominance in the first half proved decisive in securing the victory.

SCORERS

FNB CPUT : (0) 22

Tries : Yibanathi Daki, Jacquin Jacobus, Dwayne Atkins

FNB WSU : (24) 34

Tries : Sandisiwe Mkhwayimba X3, Lukhangele Tshayi.

FNB Player of the Match: Lukhangele Tshayi (FNB WSU)TEAMS

FNB CPUT: Emihle Akho Benya; Lindisipho Lihle Kula; Kieran Delaan Naidoo; Ntsako Ashley Mhlanga; Abongile Kude Golela; Simphiwe Gift Thabede; Yibanathi Daki; Denley Krid Adams; Jayson January Reuben Thorne Noble; Samukelisiwe Sandile Madonsela; Mbuso Maseko; Jacquin Farrol Jacobus; Dwayne Grant Atkins; Noah Matthew Pekeur.

FNB WSU: Mihlali Nohoyeka; Mangaliso Zixesha; Yoyisa Mahobe; Luvo Zindela; Sandisiwe Mkwayimba; Siya Ncapayi; Khanaye Mbakaza; Sipho Hobosch; Thembela Folo; Isiphe Mbini; Asisipho Jim; Bulelani Nondlwana; Axola Mtalana; Ahlule Zokoza;  Lukhangele Tshayi.