FNB Wits scored a last-minute seven-point try to secure a 30-30 draw with Maties.
The leaders of the FNB Varsity Cup log, FNB Wits and FNB Maties, came head to head in a Varsity Cup encounter at the Wits Rugby stadium in Johannesburg on Monday, February 26. The match ended dramatically in a 30-30 draw after match officials awarded a seven-point try to Wits after the final whistle.
A five-point try in the dying minutes of the game by Wits fullback Tyrone Green saw Wits end the game on 28. But Varsity Cup officials ruled that it was actually a seven-point try resulting in both sides sharing the spoils and ending Maties’ winning streak in the 2018 season.
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The match began with Maties dominating the game and winger Edwill van der Merwe opening the scoring with a try in the seventh minute of the game. Maties continued to put pressure on Wits when they scored two more tries, resulting in a 17-0 lead over the Braamfontein outfit.
Wits’ first try was scored by Green in the 32nd minute, but the team did not stop there. Wits inside centre AJ Van Blerk scored a seven-point try followed by a conversion by flyhalf, Chris Humphries, which resulted in a 17-14 scorecard at the end of the first half.
The second half of the match saw more intensity from both teams. Stellenbosch player Wilmar Arnoldi scored the first try, leading to a 10-point lead over Wits. The referee penalised Wits for dangerous play by awarding the Maties a penalty which took the score to 27-14.
With 10 minutes left to spare, Wits secured a try from substitute Taine Chabant but Maties came back with another penalty from Chris Smith, bringing the score to 30-21.
Green scored a 5-point try in the last minute but Maties ended the game with 30-28.
FNB Player of the Match: Niel Oelofse (FNB Maties)
Scores
FNB Wits: 30
Tries: Tyrone Green (2), AJ Van Blerk, Taine Chabant
Conversion Tries: Chris Humphries (3)
FNB Maties: 30
Tries: Edwill Van Der Merwe, Eldoe Schoeman, Johan Momsen
Conversion Tries: Chris Smith
Penalties: Chris Smith (2)
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