Free State Derby – UFS Shimlas keep Top Spot With Victory Over CUT Lxias

Free State Derby – UFS Shimlas keep Top Spot With Victory Over CUT Lxias. FNB Shimlas secured the bragging rights after a convincing victory over FNB CUT Ixias in the annual FNB Varsity Cup Bloemfontein Derby this week, running out comfortable victors by 48 – 27. Shimlas were leading 19 – 10 at the break on the CUT Stadium.

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Match Summary

Ixias started the match like a runaway train, controlling the territory and possession against the more fancied visitors down the road, leading 10 – 0 by the first half strategy break. Whatever the coach of the Shimlas told the red jerseys, changed the whole character of the match. The Ixias were forced into countless infringements, resulting in the penalty count stacking up against the “Blue Brigade”. By the halftime break, the visitors ran in three tries, with two being converted.

After the break, there was mostly only one team beating the dominance drum, and the Shimlas ran in five further tries to secure their third bonus point victory in as many matches in the 2022 FNB Varsity Cup. The home side had to settle for two tries plus one penalty try.

Scorers in Bloemfontein

FNB Shimlas

• Tries: Thabang Mahlasi, William Moffat, Janco van Heyningin, Lourens Oosthuizen, Asanda Kunene (2), Lohan Potgieter, and Ngobani Dlamini.
• Conversions: Litha Nkula (3).
• Cards: Jan Kotze, Sisipho, and Kevin Strydom (all yellow).

FNB CUT

• Tries: Luvuyo Ndevu, Teboho Rampai, and one penalty try.
• Conversions: Zinedine Booysen (2)
• Penalty: Booysen (2)
• Cards: Wihan Marais (red) and Jandré Nel (yellow).

Conclusion

With the Ixias now stuck in position 9 on the FNB VC Log (4 points after 3 matches), The next match against FNB NMMU Madibas in the Madibas Stadium (7 March) is now a must-win for Ndevu’s men. With only 2 home matches left in the season, even the away matches become crucial encounters for CUT in this promotion/relegation season. However, as the Madibas are currently lying at the bottom of the log themselves, they would certainly be eyeing this clash to get their season off to a winning form.