Five-time champions FNB Maties broke FNB UFS Shimlas’ four-match unbeaten run with a 29-38 win at Shimla Park in Bloemfontein on Monday evening (25 March).
The Maroon Machine was simply better in the basics, resulting in a comfortable bonus-point win.
It was rather ironic that it was one of the Maties’ Bloem boys, Dewet Marais, who scored a hat-trick of tries.
Shimlas were the first on the scoreboard through full-back Michael Annies’ point-of-origin try, which started from a scrum 5 m from their own line. Zane Bester make the break after collecting a chip-kick and Annies rounded off a stunning team try.
Marais got Maties on the board with his first try, before Shimlas captain Pierre Uys struck back from a clever line-out variation. Shortly before half-time, Marais completed his brace and the visitors trailed 19-12.
He completed his hat-trick early in the second half to get the scoreboard ticking. The hosts managed to strike back through Neels Volschenk, but tries by Hofmeyr Retief, Eric Basson and Louw Nel put the game out of reach for the Shimlas.
On the stroke after full-time, Jandré Nel scored for Shimlas to earn at least one point in the game.
For Maties, Juan Mostert was successful with four conversions.
The Stellenbosch side, who occupy third place on the log, will be in action against FNB CUT at CUT Stadium in Bloemfontein on Monday 8 April.
Meanwhile, the FNB Maties Women’s team got their defence of their FNB Varsity Cup Women’s title off to a great start with a 50-0 victory over the FNB UKZN Women at the Howard College Stadium in Durban on Friday (22 March).
The Stellenbosch lasses ran in eight unanswered tries to romp their way to victory. Kayleen Muggles, Liza Slabbert and Elme Kruger each dotted down twice for the Maroon Machine.
The team’s next FNB Varsity Cup Women’s tournament fixture is scheduled for Friday 5 April, when they lock horns with FNB Tuks Women at the Danie Craven Stadium at 16:30.
