From the onset it was not easy, as both teams made it clear that territory and ball-in-hand would play a huge role in the outcome of the game.

Consistent pressure and domination by Tuks paid off in the 19th minute when flyhalf Tinus De Beer landed a penalty to open the scoring.

Although Tuks dominated play, Shimlas’ defence was rock solid for 39 minutes. Consistent pressure and excellent individual play by Tuks centre Lourens Pretorius led to the first try in the 39th minute which was converted by the ever-accurate De Beer taking the half time score to 10-0 in favour of Tuks.

Tuks edged ahead on the scoreboard in the second half when De Beer slotted a long distance penalty just three minutes in, making it 13-0 to Tuks. They had another golden opportunity in the 50th minute after winger Damian Bonaparte went over the tryline but lost the ball.

Tuks kept momentum after excellent ball retention, taking the ball wide, flanker Stephan Smit went over in the 54th minute to score the second try and De Beer extended the lead to 20-0 just before strategy break.

Shimlas were not down and out and scored their first try in the 68th minute through Bertie De Bod, but it was not converted and the score was 20-5 for Tuks with 12 minutes of play remaining.

Excellent individual play by Shimlas scrumhalf Zak Burger led to a late push for victory. He snatched the ball in his own half from a lineout, darted through to score a seven-pointer which was converted by Lubabalo Dobela right on the touchline in the 74th minute to take the score to 20-14 with six minutes of play left.

Tuks answered with a third try as centre Erich Cronje scored a try and De Beer converted, taking the game away from Shimlas, 27-14 in the 78th minute. Tuks were the better team on the field but hats to the Shimlas, who showed character and never gave up.

Scorers
Shimlas: Tries - Bertie de Bod, Zak Burger Conv. - Lubabalo Dobela Pen. - Dobela

Tuks: Tries - Lourens Pretorius, Stephan Smit, Erich Cronje Conv. - Tinus De Beer 3 Pen. - De Beer.

- Varsity Cup