CAPE TOWN – The scoreboard operators earned their wages at UWC Stadium on Friday evening as FNB UWC put on a ruthless attacking display to claim the BelLville derby bragging rights with a 51-32 demolition of FNB CPUT. Thirteen tries, 83 points, and one definitive statement, this was Varsity Shield rugby at its most electrifying.
While the final margin might suggest a comfortable evening’s work, this FNB Varsity Shield encounter was anything but straightforward. The visitors refused to surrender, scrapping for every inch and punishing any defensive lapses. But when the dust settled, UWC’s forward dominance and clinical finishing proved the difference.
Forward power sets platform
The hosts wasted no time stamping their authority on proceedings. Just three minutes had elapsed when scrumhalf Dywane Badenhorst emerged from a thunderous rolling maul to dot down the opening try. Fullback Aaron Swartz, who would go on to orchestrate the victory from the back, slotted the conversion with customary composure.
FNB CPUT hit back with a maul of their own when hooker Lindisipho Kula burrowed over, briefly silencing the home faithful and serving notice that this derby would be fiercely contested.
Ncana masterclass
Hlomla Ncana then took centre stage, producing a first-half performance that left defenders grasping at thin air. The talented midfielder crossed the chalk twice before the interval, the second a sensational corner finish that showcased his pace and finishing ability. By the time the referee called time on the opening 40 minutes, UWC had established a commanding 22-5 advantage that reflected their territorial dominance.
CPUT fight back
Whatever was said in the visitors’ changing room clearly resonated. FNB CPUT emerged for the second stanza with renewed purpose and intent. Dwayne Atkins led the charge, grabbing a brace that suddenly made the contest competitive again. For a brief period, the unthinkable seemed possible, could CPUT overturn the deficit?
UWC had other ideas. Their pack, which had laid the foundation throughout, continued to provide front-foot ball. Winger Amisi Juma benefited from the go-forward platform, crossing for his first try before substitute Keno Alexander capitalised on the sustained pressure to extend the buffer.
Hat-Trick hero seals victory
Ncana reserved the best for last, completing a memorable hat-trick in the 69th minute that effectively sealed the result. The centre’s treble will dominate the weekend highlights packages, a performance of pace, power, and precision that epitomised UWC’s clinical edge.
Leighton Damon and Juma piled on further misery for the visitors, both dotting down as the home side cut loose in the final stages. The scoreboard ticked over relentlessly, the points differential potentially crucial come season’s end.
To their immense credit, FNB CPUT kept fighting. Jacquin Jacobus and Yibanathi Phoncana both crossed in the dying stages, adding respectability to the scoreline and demonstrating the character within their squad. These weren’t consolation tries surrendered by a disinterested opposition, they were hard-earned rewards for refusing to surrender.
Swartz conducts symphony
While the try-scorers grabbed the headlines, the Player of the Match accolade deservedly went to Aaron Swartz. The fullback controlled proceedings with maturity beyond his years, orchestrating attacking opportunities, defusing danger in the back-field, and contributing valuable points from the tee. His performance was the complete package, exactly what you demand from your last line of defence.
Derby delight
Cape derbies rarely disappoint, and this 83-point thriller certainly delivered entertainment value.
The UWC pack laid the platform with their dominant set-piece, the backs exploited the space with precision, and the defensive line held firm when required. It was a complete performance that suggests UWC harbour genuine ambitions in this year’s Varsity Shield campaign.
