Maties show clinical edge
Maties are still running wild in this year’s FNB Varsity Cup competition after they recorded their fourth win of the season, beating UJ on their home turf last night.
Other results are that FNB NWU Eagles stunned the defending champions FNB UFS Shimlas at Fanie Du Toit Sports Ground, UP-Tuks ran riot over CUT at CUT Park in Bloemfontein and UCT Ikeys scored all their tries against FNB Wits at Green Mile.
FNB UJ 7-25 FNB Maties
UJ’s search for their first win of the Varsity Cup 2025 season continued as they fell short in round 4 against Maties, losing 25-7 in a hard-fought encounter.
Maties flanker Ryan Manuel broke the deadlock, crossing over for the visitors first try. Their captain, Ezekiel Ngobeni, soon followed suit, adding another try to put his team firmly in control.
UJ had opportunities to respond but missed crucial chances to narrow the deficit, unable to capitalise on Maties’ failed conversion attempts. As the Stellenbosch based side’s lead expanded, UJ struggled to make any headway, with Maties’ defense proving to be strong. Time and again, UJ pushed for the line, only to fall short in the final meters.
The home side finally got on the scoreboard thanks to a penalty try, but it wasn’t enough to get over Maties’ dominance.
In a dramatic turn of events, Maties’ Fortune Mpofu was initially sent to the sin bin, and upon his return to the field, he barely had time to settle before being sent off again after being struck in the eye.
Photo: Christiaan Kotze
With this loss, UJ’s winless run in the competition continued, while Maties showed their clinical edge, keeping their Varsity Cup campaign on track.
Coming Monday 17 March sees the big one in Stellenbosch when arch-rivals Maties and Ikeys clash in the fifth round of the competition. Set to be a humdinger of note, students will fil the Danie Craven Stadium to the brim and the atmosphere is set to be electric. Maties top the log with 20 points after having an unbeaten run to date. Ikeys are in third position with 15 points having lost one game so far. The main game starts at 19:00.
SCORERS
FNB UJ: 0 (7)
Tries: Penalty try
FNB Maties: 25 (15)
Tries: Ryan Manuel, Ezekiel Ngobeni, Carel van der Merwe, Armand Combrink.
FNB Player that Rocks: Ezekiel Ngobeni (FNB Maties)
Photo: Christiaan Kotze