Shimlas scored two second half tries for the win after Arthur Williams opened the scoring for the title holders early in the first stanza to take a 7-0 lead into the break.

Ikeys came back strongly after the break, scoring through fullback Khanyo Ncgukana, albeit it a contentious score, but the tries by Nardus Erasmus, Mosolwa Mafuma, which included a nine-pointer, secured the win.

Shimlas skipper, Neil Claassen conceded that the wind heading in the direction of the infamous “hospital corner” made matters challenging.

“We wind made it difficult, but we really stuck to our guns so we’re happy and we will definitely take the points.”

The visitors defence as well as their work scrum time was something that they can be proud, however will want to focus on their handling heading into their match against the University of Pretoria Tuks in the Jacaranda City.

In Pretoria, last year’s losing finalists, North West University Pukke, opened their campaign on a positive note with a 38-15 mauling of the University of Pretoria Tuks.

Barend Janse van Rensburg scored a brace for the men from Potchefstroom, which included the first ever nine-point try in world rugby.

In Stellenbosch, the Central University of Technology Ixias’ woes in Varsity Cup rugby continued with a 40-0 thrashing at the hands of the University of Stellenbosch Maties.

In last night’s fourth game, the University of Johannesburg edged the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University Madibaz 19-12.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport