FNB Wits secured a cracking win over FNB UP-Tuks in the 6th round of the FNB Varsity Cup.
Although there were a few jittery moments in the beginning of the game, the FNB Wits rugby team snagged a 16-10 victory against FNB UP-Tuks on Monday evening, March 9 at the Wits Rugby Stadium.
UP-Tuks opened the scoring with a penalty converted by fly-half, Theo Boshoff, as UP-Tuks put up a strong scrum in the first half of the game.
However, this didn’t stop right flanker, Lindokuhle Ncusane, scoring the first try for FNB Wits and putting them in the lead with a score of 5-3.
FNB Wits scored a penalty, increasing their lead to 8-3 against their rivals.
Moments before the half-time whistle was blown, FNB Wits loose forward, Ziyanda Msipha, replaced left flanker and match captain, Constant Beckerling, after he suffered a pectoral injury.
There was no stopping FNB Wits defence strategy in the second half of the game. A heart stopping moment was felt throughout the crowd when a corner try was awarded to FNB Wits by outside centre, Yanga Hlalu, who raised the score to 16-3.
Close to the line, UP-Tuks then scored a try by scrum-half Raegen Oranje and was later converted. FNB UP-Tuks’ efforts to catch up to FNB Wits were a little, too late as the home side came out on top with the final score being 16-10.
Emmanuel Tshituka was awarded man of the match for his fierce tackles, while moment of the match was awarded to Lindokuhle Ncusane for scoring the first try of the game for Wits.
“I couldn’t ask for anything better. We fought to the very last second,” says Ncusane.
FNB Wits Head coach, Hugo van As, said that he is grateful for the win but remains cautious.
“Obviously we are very happy with the win. Personally I believe we had opportunities to really put them away and put some serious pressure on them, but we put ourselves under pressure to keep them in the game.”
FNB Wits captain, Constant Beckerling, told Wits Vuvuzela that his team played their hearts out, “We play with so much heart and so much desire, and we really wanted to make a statement today.”
When asked about his feelings towards getting injured, Beckerling laughed and said, “Luckily I drink beers with my other hand”.
FNB Wits will play against FNB CUT in the seventh round of Varsity Cup on March 16, at the FNB CUT Rugby Stadium as FNB Wits aim to continue their scintillating form. The Wits side remains undefeated so far in the league but are still third on the log behind FNB Tuks and Maties.
FEATURED IMAGE: Man of the match, Emmanuel Tshituka smiles for a photo with man of the moment, Lindokuhle Ncusane. Both players are part of FNB Wits. Photo: Tshepo Thaela
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