After a long season in the Varsity Shield, UP-Tuks took on Varsity College on 26 April at home. This final would determine if they would make history as the only team to lift both the Varsity Cup and Varsity Shield trophies. This final was said to be a battle of Goliaths versus Davids: the fallen Varsity Cup champions, UP-Tuks, against the newcomers to the tournament, Varsity College.
The Tuks Titans (UP’s cheerleading squad) and the mascots from all the Shield teams opened the game with a vibrant ceremony. The Varsity Shield boasted all its bells and whistles, ensuring to be remembered as a tournament That Rocks despite being the little brother to the grand Varsity Cup.
The game kicked off with both sides eager to lift the trophy and the fans buzzing all around the stadium. UP-Tuks captain Ethan Berger scored the first try in the fifth minute of the match to open a Tuks-dominant first half. Varsity College played a fast game throughout. When the ball was in their possession, they were able to make speedy hand-offs and impressive dashes to gain territory in UP-Tuks’ half. However, the men in white were stronger in their defence and able to turn over possession frequently. The Stripe Generation pulled ahead in the first half by playing a physical game, scoring five tries and backing them with a few conversions. UP-Tuks overpowered the visitors in the scrums and were consistently able to get the ball over their scoring line after winning their lineouts. But Varsity College stuck to their blitz plays and, after a tough push, were able to score just before halftime, leaving the board at 38-7 to UP-Tuks.
At halftime the stadium burst into vibe central. A performance by the Tuks Titans was preceded by iconic segments such as building a Steers burger, a mini Suzuki race and the FNB dance off. The halftime break also gave the fans in the stands an opportunity to replenish their refreshments and stretch their legs. But many supporters remained planted in their seats, too engrossed in the final outcome and too nervous to lose their seats to other excited fans.
The second half was significantly more contested than the first. However, UP-Tuks remained the scoring side with a beautiful run by Bayanda Ngubane followed by another from Cayno February in the early minutes of the second half. Many of the plays from UP-Tuks’ side in the second half came as a mix of physical prowess and brilliant blitz runs such as that of Ambesa Zenzile in the 49th minute. Our home team sported both their agility and strength on the field with powerful defence and carries. Despite this, the Varsity College players were able to gain more ground this half. Varsity College’s Benjamin Field notably scored an 80-metre try to give the men in blue more points on the board. This would also be the visitors’ second-last try of the game. The last one was scored by Michael Horak on a sneaky interception in the 73rd minute. In the final minutes, the visitors were outmuscled by UP-Tuks, who ultimately scored 15 tries to become the Varsity Shield champions. With an impressive score of 95-21, the Stripe Generation ploughed their way to victory.
Many will say it was a given that the Stripe Generation would come out of this tournament on top, but the victory was not simply handed to them. UP-Tuks are undefeated in the Shield and have made history in this tournament. After UP-Tuks’ victory in the semi-final, PDBY asked Bayanda Ngubane what he would attribute this season’s success to. He responded, “The pain we felt last year when we got relegated was the drive for us. [We wanted] to make sure we prepare ourselves well to be able to show the other institutions that we do not belong in this competition.” So, the season has come to an end, and the Stripe Generation have returned to their rightful place as contenders in the Varsity Cup.
