Both sides entered the match without a win yet in the competition after the first two rounds.

In fact, the Ixias had even failed to score a try in their first two outings, which saw them losing to Tuks and Wits.

On Monday evening a gutsy defensive effort in the last 15 minutes saw Ixias hold on for a narrow and hard-fought 26-25 win.

It was a good night for the teams from Bloemfontein as the University of the Free State Shimlas beat Wits 33-26 in Johannesburg, and this after trailing 14-5 at the half time break.

In Potchefstroom, the North West University Pukke handed the new boys on the block, the University of Western Cape their third straight loss in the competition.

The 2018 finalists beat UWC 37-21.

In the final match of round three, the defending champions, the University of Stellenbosch Maties, beat the University of Pretoria Tuks 26-24 in the capital city.

In round four, the UCT Ikeys host UJ, Ixias are at home to Maties, Tuks tackle Wits, and in the biggest match the week it will be the intervarsity fixture between Shimlas and Pukke in Bloemfontein.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport