Shimlas are the 2024 FNB Varsity Cup champions.
The home side snatched the win in an epic final at Shimla Park on the stroke of full-time thanks to an Ethan Wentzel penalty, giving UFS their first title since 2015.
The final score was 45-42 to Shimlas.
Scrumhalf Jandré Nel was named the FNB Player That Rocks, and judging by his face after the game, it truly was a matter of blood, sweat and tears that brought the Bloem team to this fantastic moment.
The Ikeys got off to a fast start via thrilling tries from hooker Keagan Blanckenberg and centre Jonathan Roche, both converted by the man deservedly named the player of the tournament, Ntokozo Makhaza. Nel struck back for the Shimlas with his first try, before hooker Liyema Mgwigwi also got in on the action for the hosts.
It was a frenetic start that was always going to take it’s toll on the players, and come the last 20 minutes, players from both sides were seen cramping all over the field.
Rethabile Louw snatched joy from despair via an 85m intercept try, and this was followed by a Duran Koevort try for the ages, as the Ikeys rounded the home side defence in style. The momentum was with the blue and white …
Wentzel had other plans, though, and he then scored for the hosts, before Mgwigwi completed his brace on the stroke of half-time. The Ikeys had their noses in front 31-26 at half time, and the scene was set for a classic.
A defining moment in the game was Nel’s second try early in the second half, which was later upgraded to a point-of-origin try. The home side went big on the celebrations, though, meaning Wentzel’s conversion from close to the touchline, was deleted because he exceeded the timer on the shot clock. The home side nearly paid very dearly for this …
Siviwe Zondani then scored for the home team, before replacement prop Bryan le Roux levelled matters for the Ikeys. Makhaza missed the conversion.
With the game level at 42-42 it was heading to extra time, but a minute after the hooter had gone Shimlas were awarded a penalty. It was not a simple kick, but Wentzel showed massive BMT to split the uprights, and hand his team victory.
SCORERS:
FNB Shimlas 45 (26) – Tries: Jandre Nel (2), Liyema Mgwigwi (2), Ethan Wentzel, Siviwe Zondani. Conversions: Ethan Wentzel (4). Penalties: Wentzel.
FNB Ikeys 42 (31) – Tries: Keagan Blanckenberg, Jonathan Roche, Rethabile Louw, Duran Koevort, Bryan le Roux. Conversions: Ntokozo Makhaza (3). Penalties: Makhaza (3).
FNB Player That Rocks: Jandre Nel (Shimlas)
TEAMS
Ikeys: Luthando Woji, Keagan Blanckenberg, JK Okonkwo, Reynhardt Crous, Johan Van Rhyn, Sipho Dyonase, Taariq Kruger, Laro Delport, Asad Moos, Alex Vermeulen, Ntokozo Makhaza, Jonathan Roche, Josh Boulle, Rethabile Louw, Duran Koevort.
Shimlas: Ntokozo Hlophe, Liyema Mgwigwi, Francisco Dos Reis, Reinier Juan Martin Viljoen, John Raymond Stopforth, Sobe Siyambuka Nakhane Ningiza, Pierre-Raymond Freddie Uys, Kwezi Dlamini, Jandre Nel, Ethan SJ Wentzel, Asanda Sihle Kunene, Zane Bester, Nkoka Sydney Luvuyo Ngobe, Siviwe Zondani, Michael Jnr Kurt Annies.
FNB TOURNAMENT AWARDS:
Player That Rocks: Ntokozo Makhaza (Ikeys)
Forward That Rocks: Enos Ndiao (Ikeys)
Back That Rocks: Matthew Fortuin (Eagles)
Suzuki Rookie of The Year: Likhona Finca (UJ)
