Klerksdorp Record, Potchefstroom - After the FNB Varsity Cup match between NWU Eagles and UJ was postponed, the Eagles have kept themselves in the running to defend their title when they beat UJ 49-12 in round five of the 2024 FNB Varsity Cup in Johannesburg.
The Orange Army had to play in front of an empty UJ Stadium after the game was closed to spectators following the previous night’s postponement due to unfavourable weather conditions. The visitors drew the first blood with a Matthew Fortuin touchdown.
Marvelous Mashimbyi scored two tries before the break and added two more in the latter part of the game for the Eagles. Keano Windvogel also added his name to the NWU scoresheet with a try.
UJ finally got on the scoreboard just before half-time when Boldwin Hansen dotted the ball behind the try line. Kurtley Kiewiet’s conversion add two more the Orange Army still trailed 7-30.
The second half saw NWU deny UJ multiple scoring opportunities with Prince Nkabinde’s try the only consolation for the Orange Army. This was not enough to catch the Eagles as Clavin Clack crossed over for the defending champions to drive the comprehensive victory home.
SCORERS
FNB NWU 49 (30) - Tries: Matthew Fortuin, Keano Windvogel, Marvelous Mashimbyi (4), Clavin Clack. Conversions: Zinedine Robinson (4), Matthew Fortuin.
FNB UJ 12 (7) - Tries: Boldwin Hansen, Prince Nkabinde. Conversions: Kurtley Kiewiet.
Player That Rocks: Aphelele Emihle Madaka (FNB NWU Eagles).
In other games, the Shimlas safely navigated their way past city neighbours CUT and are now almost assured of a home semi-final. Maties won the Western Cape derby against UWC while Wits came from behind to share the spoils with UCT Ikeys.
