UCT outclass Belhar away

UCT’s Ntsolo Setlaba on the attack against Belhar.

The Ikey Tigers outclassed the willing and galant Belhar on Saturday by 59:5, scoring nine tries in the process.

UCT had too much class and depth this late in the season against Belhar and the Ikeys extended their winning streak to an impressive 12th unbeaten game, after they
went to an early 21:0 lead and finished strong to pile on a total of 59 points.

Belhar, newly-promoted to the WP Super League this season managed to survive the difficult first year at the top level, having won three matches to date – twice against relegation bound Helderberg and a crucial upset against Stellenbosch’s Victorians. The side scored almost 300 points in their 16 games proving they have some attacking flair, however they also conceded over 600 points in the process.

The Ikeys backrow around hard running skipper Don Armand was in sublime form again, with Greg Mallet scoring two tries and the industrious Ntsolo Setlaba also crossing the whitewash. Most of the damage was done by the outside back with wingers Winter and Steward scoring and replacement Jannie Bester adding two tries on the day.

Flyhalf Nick Holton was again strong in the kicking department, converting seven of the nine tries.

Kevin Foote was full of praise for skipper Armand who is doing a great job in the absense of Nick Fenton Wells:

“Don’s consistency is frightening. I don’t know how much longer he can keep playing at club level – he is destined to play at a higher level,” said the Ikeys boss.

“Of course, I’m not complaining – we’re lucky to have him in our side and playing like he is.”

The league is now set for a cracking Finale, with UCT taking on Victorians next Saturday, where a five pointer would cap off an extraordinary season by giving them the first Super League A title since 1974.

Match gallery courtesy, Peter van As:

FNB UCT’s scorers:
Tries: Bax, Bosman, G Mallett 2, Winter, Stewart, Setlaba, Bester 2
Cons: Holton 7

Ikey Tigers: 15 Ricky Rijs, 14 Richard Stewart, 13 Tiger Bax, 12 André Coetzer, 11 Mark Winter, 10 Nick Holton, 9 Steve Wallace, 8 Greg Mallett, 7 Ntsolo Setlaba, 6 Don Armand (captain), 5 Brad Bosman, 4 Pallo Manuel, 3 Shane Meier, 2 Neil Rautenbach, 1 Wes Chetty.
Replacements: 16 Timmy Louw, 17 Adriaan Botha, 18 James Kilroe, 19 Zandy Macdonald, 20 Nick Farrar, 21 Angelo Pecego, 22 Jannie Bester.