The Ixias' chances of reaching the semi-finals were ended by their third consecutive defeat, and they now face the prospect of playing in a promotion-relegation match.

In the 11th minute, scrumhalf Asad Moos opened the scoring, and it took a further ten minutes for the hosts to get on the board courtesy of a try by the winger Adielson Gouveia.

The outisde centre Josh Boulle and lock Reynhardt Crous both crossed the whitewash to give the visitors from the Mother City a 19-5 lead at the half time break.

In the second stanza, the Ikeys unleashed a barrage on Bloemfontein, with Enos Ndiao, Jac van der Walt, and Rihaz Fredericks all scoring. Lezane Davis and Sibusiso Makhaza each scored twice, and referee Ruhan Meiring also awarded the visitors a penalty try.

CUT's tries by Ulrich Stander, Tiaan Drotskie, and Sisipho Nofuya in the second half were in vain as the wind was knocked out of their sails by the penalty try.

Because UJ managed to beat the outgoing champions Tuks 38-31, the Ixias will have to face the NMMU Madibaz in a promotion-relegation match.

Ixias 31 (5): Tries - Adielson Gouveia, Ulrich Stander, Tiaan Drotskie, Sisipho Nofuya. Conv. - Xavier Swartbooi (3)

Ikeys 79 (19): Tries - Asad Moos, Josh Boulle, Reynhardt Crous, Enos Ndiao, Jac van der Walt, Rihaz Fredericks, Lezane Davis (2), Sibusiso Makhaza (2), Penalty Try. Conv. - Sibusiso Makhaza (6)

Morgan Piek OFM Sport