Maties beat Shimlas in tense semi-final
In their 150th year, FNB Maties will face arch-rivals FNB Ikey Tigers in the FNB Varsity Cup final after securing a hard-fought 19-7 victory over FNB UFS Shimlas in a tense semifinal at Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch last night. The Maties will try to outwhit Ikeys on their homeground.
With rain halting just before the match, the wet conditions made handling difficult, setting the stage for a low-scoring, tactical battle. Maties immediately put pressure on the visitors, who struggled with unforced errors throughout. The home side, led by coach Kabamba Floors, controlled the game with smart tactics, converting pressure into three well-placed penalties by flyhalf Christiaan van Heerden Smith.
Shimlas fought back in the second quarter, intensifying the pressure, especially after Maties were reduced to 13 players due to two yellow cards. Though they couldn’t capitalize on all their chances, the men from Bloemfontein earned a penalty try, closing the gap to 9-7 at halftime.
After the break, Maties right wing Grant de Jager made his mark, chasing down a kick from Van Heerden Smith to score a point of origin try from his own half. Despite missing the conversion, Van Heerden Smith added another penalty, making it 19-7.
In a match dominated by forward play, it was De Jager’s opportunistic try and constant threat in attack that stole the show, ensuring Maties’ place in the final.
UCT are through to their fourth consecutive final after defeating UP-Tuks by 35-48 at Tuks Stadium with a decisive performance. The Ikey Tigers picked up their second win over the Stripe Generation this season while the Maroon Machine avenged their loss to the Shimlas in last year’s semi-finals. The Cape sides will face off on 14 April in the FNB Varsity Cup final.
