It wasn’t the most polished performance from the defending champions at Shimla Park, but with the semi-finals approaching, every point is crucial.

The much-anticipated derby faced an hour-long delay due to lightning in the vicinity of Shimla Park. Despite the wet conditions, both teams showed attacking intent from the outset, leading to frequent turnovers. Shimlas, in particular, failed to capitalise on several scoring opportunities from set pieces near the Ixias try line.

Bradley Giddy. Photo: ASEM Engage/Hannes Naude

The deadlock was broken in the 17th minute when Shimlas flyhalf Bradley Giddy slotted a long-range penalty, handling the slippery underfoot conditions with composure. However, he missed two further attempts, leaving the score at 3-0 at half-time.

The rain eased in the second half, improving conditions slightly, but errors continued to plague both sides. Ixias levelled the score through a Matthys Malan penalty, but Shimlas responded with the only try of the match, courtesy of a brilliant finish from Kirwin du Preez.

Giddy and Malan each landed two more penalties, but in the end, Shimlas held on to claim bragging rights and an important victory. They remain in contention for a home semi-final but will need consecutive wins against UCT Ikeys and Tuks in the next two rounds. A Maties victory over Tuks would also significantly boost their chances.

Raydon Swartbooi. Photo: ASEM Engage/Hannes Naude

Giddy told OFM Sport that it was a scrappy and ugly win, but a win nonetheless, and that the log points were what mattered most.

“It wasn't the greatest of games, but at the end of the day, we got the four points in the bag,” said the Player of the Match.

“At least we have something to work with for next week’s match. We came away with the win and can now focus on improving where we need to.”

Ixias, meanwhile, must beat Wits in Bloemfontein next week to avoid finishing at the bottom of the log.

Andile Myeni. Photo: ASEM Engage/Catherine Kotze

Elsewhere in Pretoria, five-time champions the University of Pretoria Tuks continued their march to the semi-finals in their return season, securing a 27-17 win over the North-West University Eagles after leading 10-3 at half-time.

The Striped Generation notched back-to-back wins in the competition, with Andile Myeni, Lilitha Matsiliza, and Ruan van Blommestein crossing the try line.

The Eagles responded with two tries, courtesy of Indiphile Tyeda and Tian van Zyl. However, following their big victory against Shimlas in Potchefstroom the previous week, their semi-final hopes are now in jeopardy. They trail Shimlas by five points in fifth place but still have home fixtures against UJ and CUT to keep their playoff dreams alive.

Ezekiel Ngobeni. Photo: ASEM Engage/Luigi Bennett

Meanwhile, in Stellenbosch, Maties maintained their unbeaten record with a dramatic 31-24 win over UCT Ikeys in the Cape derby at the Danie Craven Stadium.

Over in Johannesburg, UJ secured their first victory of the season, defeating neighbours Wits 32-24. Wits remain winless but will travel to Bloemfontein next week, determined to break their losing streak and get points on the board.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg