The FNB Maties overcame a 10-point deficit at half-time, on Monday evening (6 March) to beat FNB NWU Eagles 31-28 in Potchefstroom to get their 2023 Varsity Cup campaign back on track.
It took the home team just three minutes to open the scoring, when Vernon Paulo went over the line after a driving maul. Two more tries for the Eagles, including a second by Paulo, and three penalties by Maties flyhalf Jurie Matthee took the scoreboard to 19-9 at half-time for NWU.
Maties came back firing on all cylinders in the second half with a beautiful try from Waqar Solaan. The home team responded with a try by Arminn Posthumus, but a yellow card for Paulo left them wanting. A late try by Louw Nel sealed an emphatic win for Maties over NWU.
FNB NWU Eagles 28 (19) – Tries: Vernon Paulo (2), Zinedine Robinson, Arminn Posthumus. Conversations: Robinson (3).
FNB Maties 31 (9) – Tries: Louw Nel, Waqaar Solaan. Conversions: Jurie Matthee (2). Penalties: Matthee (5).
FNB Player That Rocks: Louw Nel (Maties).
