At CUT Park, a determined Ixias side edged out the University of Cape Town Ikeys 23-19. However, their celebrations were somewhat dampened as they lost all five points from their previous match against UJ due to a player eligibility transgression. 

Despite winning their first two games of the competition, they sit fifth on the log with only the four points earned from Monday night’s match. That said, they remain highly motivated as they eye a third consecutive victory when they take on Maties in Stellenbosch next week.

Janco Cloete. Photo: Hannes Naude/ASEM Engage

Over at Shimla Park, the defending champions, Shimlas, made a strong statement by securing their first win of the season, thrashing Wits 59-29.

Shimlas stormed to a commanding 43-14 lead by half-time, thanks to point-of-origin tries from Liam Shamburg, Ntokozo Hlope, Regan Izaks, and Reinier Viljoen. Inside centre Alwich van der Linde also got in on the action, while Shamburg’s try came just 20 seconds into the game.

Eight minutes into the second half, uncontested scrums were introduced due to injuries to Wits’ props. This proved frustrating for Shimlas, who had dominated the visitors in almost every set-piece until that point. The shift significantly altered the game’s dynamic, giving Wits a chance to claw their way back.

In the second half, Ngia Selengbe crossed the line for a try, while Lindani Dweba dotted down for a brace, earning Wits a valuable bonus point. However, Shimlas kept the scoreboard ticking, with Stiaan Genis scoring a point-of-origin try and Player that Rocked, Ramon Uys, adding a late five-pointer.

Shimlas coach André Tredoux told OFM Sport that he was particularly pleased with his team’s first-half performance but expressed frustration over the uncontested scrums, which he felt took some of the edge out of the contest.

Ramon Uys. Photo: Hannes Naude/ASEM Engage

“The game can’t go to uncontested scrums after 48 minutes – that’s really disappointing,” said Tredoux. “The boys had a hard look at themselves after last week’s loss against Maties. We had a great week of preparation, and tonight, we played some serious Shimla rugby. I’m really chuffed for the boys. With a fairly inexperienced group, they showed what Shimla rugby is all about, and we hope to make the Free State proud again this year.”

With their first win now in the bag, Shimlas will turn their attention to next week’s clash against the University of Johannesburg in Bloemfontein.

Meanwhile, in Potchefstroom, Maties narrowly edged the North-West University Eagles 29-27, while Tuks secured a 37-29 victory over UJ.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg