The Shimlas raced to a 19-3 lead against the defending champions before lightning halted play six minutes before half time.

The Shimlas managed to hold one for the win and scored the bonus-point just minutes before full time.

The centre Jooste Nel opened the scoring in Bloemfontein with a try under the posts, while the eighth-man, Ruwald van der Merwe, and the fullback, Litha Nkula, also dotted down before the players left the field.

In the second stanza, Mihlali Stamper and Allister Williams both scored for Tuks from lineout mauls to make it a four-point game.

At the death the replacement flanker, Nqobani Dlamini, scored for the Shimlas for the bonus-point and to seal victory.

The captain, Thabang Mahlasi, told OFM Sport the conditions made for a hard game but they got rewards for their effort on the drenched field.

“It wasn't easy, especially with the conditions, said the influential captain and lock.

“Our effort won us the game. We got reward for our massive effort, so I'm proud of the boys.

“A home semi-final would be very nice for the fans if we can bring it back to Bloem.

“Next week it will be all guns blazing and we'll show no mercy to bring it back for the fans.”

In last night's other game in Bloemfontein, the NWU Eagles kept their playoff chances alive with a 33-14 win against the CUT Ixias.

In Johannesburg the UCT Ikeys beat Wits 47-23 to remain one point behind the Shimlas on the log, while in Stellenbosch the Maties thumped the Madibaz 61-21 to remain in third in the standings, while Tuks are in fourth and one-point clear of the Eagles.

With UJ's 50-28 win over UWC in Bellville, they can still contend for a semi-final spot.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport