The Shimlas left it until late in the game to take the lead and secure a bonus point with a 37-26 win.

Over in Potchefstroom, the NWU Eagles returned to winning ways with a 61-26 drubbing of the Madibaz at the Fanie du Toit Stadium.

In Belville, UWC beat the CUT Ixias 44-38, but the team from Bloemfontein got two valuable points out of the game that could save them from relegation.

In the 500th Varsity Cup game, the UCT Ikeys beat Maties 44-27 at the Green Mile. 

This win by the team from the Mother City was very important for the Shimlas as it handed the five-time champions Maties their second defeat of the season and allowed the Shimlas to move back to the top of the standings with just two rounds remaining.

The Shimlas will host the defending champions, Tuks, this coming Monday before having to travel to the Friendly City in the last round to tackle the Madibaz.

While the Shimlas have almost secured their spot in the semi-finals, they will no doubt target a home match in the last four and a potential final at Shimla Park.

UWC: Tries - Aydon Topley, Haniel du Toit (2), Romuald Ntumba (1x7), Mauritz Swart (1x7), Nicholas Chipanje Conv. -  Lyle Hendricks (5).

Ixias:  Tries - Matthew Sekele (1x7, 1x5), Jacquin van Wyk (1x7), Septimus Derkesen, Albertus Venter Conv. - Floris Brand (3) Pen. - Brand.

NWU Eagles: Tries - Vernon Paulo, Pienaar van Niekerk (1x7), Gustav Erlank (1x7), Theunis Pretorius, Chris Vermaak (2), André Fouché, Tino Swanepoel (1x7) Conv. - Martin Venter (5), Nivan Petersen Pen. - Venter.

Madibaz: Tries - Kyle Cyster (1x7), Kholiwe Khonza, Jade Stoffels (1x7), Wayne Moss Conv. - Stoffels.

UJ: Tries - Mpho Kubheka, Darnell Osuagwu, Musawenkosi Tshabalala (1x7) Conv. - Jonathan Viljoen (3) Pen. - Viljoen.

Shimlas: Tries -  Zane Bester (2x7), Blaine Golden, Kwezi Dlamini, Jooste Nel Conv. -  Litha Nkula (4).

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport