A last-minute try sealed the win of 22 – 20 for the visiting team of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) in the Varsity Shield encounter with the Sol Plaatje University (SPU) on a wet Suzuki Stadium in Kimberley on Friday, 21 February.
In the first half, SPU struggled with discipline, conceding multiple penalties, but managed to get on the board before halftime with a Khanya Kama penalty, making it 8 – 3 at the break, as is stated in a press release from FNB Varsity Shield.
SPU came out firing in the second half, with Tyron China diving over the try line in the 41st minute, and Kama’s conversion putting them ahead by 10 – 8.
CPUT quickly responded, reclaiming the lead at 15 – 10.
Aviwe Mpepo’s try and another Kama conversion in the 52nd minute saw SPU regain control by 17 – 15. Kama extended their lead to 20 – 15 with a penalty in the 57th minute.
With time running out, CPUT’s persistence paid off as the whitewash was crossed in the 74th minute, and a conversion secured a 22 – 20 victory.
Romeo Syfers, chairperson of the Frances Baard Rugby Region, commented on behalf of the executive committee, that the SPU team shown resilience, despite the narrow defeat in challenging weather conditions against CPUT.
“As the rain fell, the teams stepped onto the field, but it was clear that the weather would play a pivotal role in the match. The SPU players, who are not accustomed to such conditions, struggled with handling errors early on, which proved costly as CPUT capitalised on their opportunities.
Despite this, the spirit of SPU shone through,” Syfers commented, saying as the game progressed, SPU began to find its rhythm.
“We showed a lot of heart today,” said team captain, Sello Maketlo. “While we didn’t get the result we wanted, we learned a lot about ourselves and what we need to improve. I’m proud of how we fought until the end.”
Mpepo was announced as the FNB Player that Rocks.
On the field were SPU players Mpepo, China, Kama, Jan Potgieter, Cassie Botes, Kwandokuhle Dlamini, Tumelo Papane, Sello Maketlo, Gareth Maree, Ethan Manus, Leslie Ruiters, Raees Sahabodien, Jaiden Faviers, Liyabona Maplanga and Bokamoso Maphisa.
- The next Varsity Shield match for SPU is on Friday, 28 February, at 19:00 at the Suzuki Stadium, when they meet the FNB Varsity College team for round three.
