The NWU Eagles secured a home semi-final following a hard-fought 30-18 victory over the Ikeys from UCT at the Fanie du Toit Sports Ground in Potchefstroom.
The result will see NWU host UCT next Monday in a repeat of last night’s final league game, while fellow Capetownians, Maties from Stellenbosch, will at home against the Free State Shimlas.
The burly and physical Eagles started the game strongly with a try from Hennie du Randt following a brilliant run by Naiden Jaarts. Ikeys were quick to respond via a try from Ntokozo Makhaza, who could not convert. It didn’t take long for the home side to extend their lead, Luan Van Der Walt scoring a try from close range following long periods of possession and phase play.
The visitors were happy to take the points on offer, with left wing Ntokozo Makhaza, the first ever player to score 100 points or more in 2 Varsity Cup campaigns, taking the score to 16-13. But it was a try from Chyle Van Zyl that gave the Eagles a 21-13 lead at half-time.
The Ikeys held strong in the second half, dominating both territory and possession, with replacement hooker Johan Lombard giving the Ikeys some hope via a powerful maul try. It was a nervy end to the game, but a try from Naiden Jaarts sealed the victory for the Eagles to finish top of the log.
The visitors from Cape Town would have taken plenty of positives out of the game, though, and if able to live with the home side’s obvious physicality, they definitely have a chance of upsetting the applecart next week at the same venue. The game again kicks off at 19h00.
The Ikeys U20 Cubs, by chance, will also be playing at the Fanie du Toit, taking on NWU in their Young Guns semi final at 16h30. This after hammering Wits 50-0 in the messy Cape Town weather on Monday afternoon to secure their berth in the semis.
SCORERS:
NWU Eagles 30 (21) – Tries: Hennie du Randt, Naiden Jaarts, Luan Van Der Walt, Chyle Van Zyl. Conversions: Zinedine Robinson (2), Charles Williams.
UCT Ikeys 18 (13) – Tries: Ntokozo Makhaza, Johan Lombard. Conversion: Ntokoza Makhaza. Penalties: Ntokozo Makhaza (2).
FNB Player That Rocks: Hennie du Randt
TEAMS
FNB UCT Ikeys: Mhleli Khuzwayo, Keagan Blanckenberg, Jovan Bekker, Enos Ndiao, Johan van Rhyn, Sipho Dyonase, Mika Schubert, Laro Delport, Asad Moos, Alex Vermeulen, Ntokozo Makhaza, Rethabile Louw, Thomas Nel, Luke Burger, Duran Koevort.
FNB NWU Eagles: Matome Molebogeng Manyama, Chyle Van Zyl, Ntobeko Thabiso Shezi, Stephan Krugel, Franco Marais, Hennie Du Randt, Tian Van Zyl, Marvelous Mashimbyi, Aphelele Emihle Madaka, Zinedine Robinson, Naiden Jaarts, Arnoldus Christiaan Vlok, Matthew Luke Fortuin, Keano Ricardo Windvogel, Luan Jacobus Van Der Walt.
