The match pattern was familiar. FNB CUT Ixias allowed their opponents to score a comfortable lead early in the match, only to find themselves playing stressful catch-up rugby until the final whistle.

FNB UWC eventually posted a bonus-point win of 44-38 in Bellville on Monday, 28 March 2020, after leading 28-0 in the first 30 minutes and 28-14 at the halftime break.

Scoring 6 tries to 5, the home side, who were staring down the same relegation gun barrel as CUT, deserved this victory. Fortunately, the University of the Western Cape also showed enough ill-discipline to allow Floris Brand the opportunity to score a crucial penalty at the death, ensuring that the “Blue Brigade” could exit this clash with two vital log bonus points!

Matthew Sekele played like a monster possessed, scoring two powerful tries, one of which was a point-of-origin 7-point try. But Jacquin van Wyk’s point of origin try was the talk of the show with the Ixias just before the halftime break!

On the combined 2021/22 log, on which the bottom two teams face relegation to the Varsity Shield, FNB CUT is still positioned just above the relegation zone, on 36 log points. MNU Madibas and UWC are still placed below CUT, with UWC only 5 points adrift.

FNB CUT could easily slip down into the red zone with the final two rounds of games if the UWC manages a surprise win from one of their last fixtures. For the Ixias, a tough home match against FNB PUK Eagles (next week) and an even tougher away match against log leaders, FNB UCT Ikeys, awaits. Earning at least one bonus point from the last two games might save CUT’s future in the Varsity Cup!  

Scorers in Bellville

Tries: Matthew Sekele (2), Jacquin van Wyk, Septimus Derkesen and Albertus Venter.

Conversions: Floris Brand (3)

Penalty: Floris Brand.

The penultimate match in CUT’s Varsity Cup 2022 season is at home against FNB NWU Pukke, who are in their desperate race for a semi-final spot. The Ixias will have to find a way to match the Eagles upfront, use every opportunity to hit with the backs and limit conceding penalties to their stronger opponents. Their first aim would be to chase scoring four tries for a crucial bonus point!

The match kicks off at 19:00 on the CUT Stadium. This is the last home match for the Ixias in VC 2022.

Supporters are reminded that a limited number of tickets are available online (only) to vaccinated fans. Tickets must be obtained before going to the CUT Stadium.

Written by: Carel Korff

Image credit: VC Media

Uploaded: 30 March 2022