The University of the Free State Shimlas moved to the top of the log in the Varsity Cup with what will go down as a famous 35-26 win against the North West University Eagles in Bloemfontein on Monday night.
The Shimlas raced to a 21-0 lead in the first half of the intervarsity fixture, but on the stroke of half-time the defending champions mounted their comeback effort with a try.
In the second stanza, the Eagles managed to draw level at 26-26 with just minutes left to play, but it was not over yet.
The replacement loose forward for the Shimlas, Henri van Heerden, scored a point of origin try on the stroke of full time to hand the host a very valuable win against their bitter rivals and ensured that they team from Potchefstroom lost for the first time this season.
The Shimlas coach, André Tredoux, told OFM Sport it’s a moment the replacement loose-forward Van Heerden will never forget.
“This evening, they showed huge character,” said Tredoux.
“Pukke threw everything at us in the second half with the wind from behind. A moment like that is something that Henri van Heerden will never forget in his life. We picked him because he has got a lot of speed, and he showed it.
“I’m just chuffed with the boys – there are some many tactical things that came off for us, and then obviously there are things that didn’t.”
Meanwhile, over in Bellville, the Central University of Technology Ixias returned to winning ways with a 38-21 victory against UWC.
The Ixias coach, Randall Modiba, told OFM Sport that they had a plan for the dangerous UWC, and it was important to stick to it.
“We had a clear plan that we stuck to,” said Modiba.
“Patience at the end of the was vital and we adapted well to the conditions. The momentum was needed and we knew UWC would keep coming to the end.”
Over in Stellenbosch, Maties beat Wits 23-12, while at the Green Mile, the UCT Ikeys beat UJ 32-21.
After round three, there are no more unbeaten teams in the competition and it has been thrown wide open.
In round four the Shimlas will host UWC, while the Ixias will travel to face UCT in Cape Town.
Morgan Piek
