CARLY TWADDLE
Last night, UP-Tuks faced FNB Madibaz in the third round of Varsity Cup. Tuks won 33-16, scoring five tries to one. This win has sent Tuks to third on the log, an impressive achievement coming from fifth. This result was especially pleasing for last week’s man of the match, Chris Massyn, as it was his first win as captain. Man of the match went to Tuks’ Impi Visser, who will be playing in the pink Player that Rocks shorts next week against UJ.
The first points of the game went to Madibaz, who had been awarded a penalty. Tuks responded with a great try scored by Impi Visser which was converted by Tinus de Beer. Shortly after, another try was scored by Theo Marais, converted again by de Beer. This conversion was handled well, especially with the charge of two Madibaz players. De Beer handled the pressure well. At approximately 21 minutes in, Theo Marais was given a yellow card and sent to the sin bin for a dunk tackle which did damage to the Madibaz player’s back. This infringement spurred Madibaz on, and their fight started to come through. Not too long after, a Madibaz player was carded for the same infringement. Just before half-time, Tinus De Beer scored another try, which he converted. This left them with a half-time score of 21-3.
The second half started with a darkened sky and lightening, but this did not dampen the players’ spirits. Madibaz seemed reenergised after the break, but they could not break Tuks. They managed to score two penalties. Jixie Molapo and Simon Bolze definitely gave the Tuks boys a run for their money, but Tuks still managed to score another try at 60 minutes. This try, scored by Manie Libbock, was the only try of the game which was not converted. Five minutes later, Madibaz responded by scoring and converting a try of their own. Tuks refused to let the game end with Madibaz having the last scored points, and Libbock scored another try at 70 minutes which was converted. This left the score at 33-16 at full time. Madibaz played a hard game, with numerous decent line outs. Tuks played the better game, despite a few too many fumbles. They were definitely more consistent than their rivals.
Despite the slow start, Tuks picked up the pace and carried it throughout the game. This picked the crowd up, improving the support and the atmosphere. The Varsity Cup vibe has definitely infected the Tuks supporters, and it will only increase as the rounds progress. Next week’s game will be played at UJ, and round five will be played at home again when the boys face CUT.
