It was the Ixias that got off to the better start in the game and led 10-0 up until the 31st minute when the Shimlas captain, Thabang Mahlasi, scored for the visitors.

From then on out it was the Shimlas that controlled the game and they managed to cross the whitewash on no less than eight occasions.

The man of the match and Shimlas hooker, William Moffat, told OFM Sport that their discipline and setpiece needs work.

“We came there tonight knowing that it's going to be tough because it's the big Bloemfontein derby.

“I fell we started a bit slow in the first 20 minutes, but in the second and third 20-minute periods we brought it to them a bit.

“Discipline and our lineouts will need some work. We need to have a look at our setpiece so that we can play with the ball more and display the running rugby that the Shimlas are known for.”

While the win was far from pretty, the coach, André Tredoux, told OFM Sport that the character of the team is pleasing and it was impacted to snap their losing streak that dated back to 2018.

“A lot of the old Shimla boys came over to CUT and we're trying to fix that by creating a really great culture and enjoyable environment so that won't happen in future.

“Credit to them though, they have done well in terms of recruitment and what not.

“The Shimlas stood up tonight and showed a lot of character, which was pleasing for me.”

Next week the Shimlas travel to face Wits, while the Ixias are away to the Madibaz.

Ixias: Tries - Luvuyo Ndevu, penalty try, Teboho Rampai Conv. - Zinedine Booysen 2 Pen. - Booysen 2

Shimlas: Tries - Thabang Mahlasi, William Moffat, Janco van Heyningen, Lourens Oosthuizen, Asande Kunene (1x7, 1x5), Lohan Potgieter, Nqobani Dlamini. Conv. - Litha Nkula 3

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport