Both teams struggled in the rainy conditions. The first points were only scored 15 minutes after the whistle and came through a penalty against Tuks by NMMU’s fly-half Gavin Hauptfleisch. Tuks fought back with a penalty of their own three minutes later which was successfully converted by fly-half Tian Schoeman. NMMU conceded their second penalty 23 minutes into the game making the score 4-2. The series of penalties ended when Schoeman converted the last penalty of the game and the score was drawn at 4-4.
NMMU took advantage of the relaxed defence when a turnover ball was passed to NMMU’s right-wing Tythan Adams and a leap over in the corner of the try line gave NMMU the lead of 9-4.
NMMU came back stronger in the second half and repeatedly put pressure on Tuks at their try line. They succeeded in the 50th minute when NMMU captain Roy Godfrey scored the second try of the game which was converted by Hauptfleisch making the score 17-4 with only 30 minutes left of the game.
Tuks responded strongly and intensively as five minutes later Tuks blindside flanker Chris Massyn cut through the NMMU defence to score Tuks’ first try. However, the attempt to convert the try was unsuccessful and the score was 17-9.
NMMU secured their win with a penalty in the 60th minute. With 20 minutes left of play, Tuks tried to fight their opponents and the weather, but all efforts were unsuccessful and the game ended at 19-9.
Photo: Brad Donald
