While across town, the Central University of Technology Ixias were left staring down the threat of relegation despite a brave showing against UJ.

At Shimla Park, the Shimlas edged past the University of Cape Town Ikeys 40-33 in a gripping encounter that built slowly before erupting into a high-octane contest. 

The hosts made the early breakthrough through Vice Hofmeyer, who powered over from a dominant maul, but UCT quickly responded in a similar fashion.

The Toyota Cheetahs lock Juan Venter had another outstanding game for the Shimlas. Photo: Hannes Naudé/ASEM Engage

The arm-wrestle continued into the closing stages of the first half, with Jaco Bezuidenhout adding another maul try for the Shimlas, while a late penalty by Alex Vermeulen for the Ikeys ensured the hosts held a narrow 12-10 advantage going into the break.

The match burst into life after half-time. Kirwan du Preez finished off a sweeping move with a point-of-origin try to extend the lead, before scrumhalf Erich Visser capitalised on quick thinking to cross soon after, putting the home side firmly in control. 

However, the defending champions refused to back down. In a rapid shift of momentum, Sino Brawen and Jack Benade both scored quick-fire point-of-origin tries in the space of two minutes to haul UCT back into contention at 18-18, and a maul try by Johan Lombard soon after nudged the visitors into the lead.

With their campaign on the line, the Shimlas dug deep. Ferdi Vergottini crashed over in the closing stages to swing the momentum once more, before Bezuidenhout added his second try from a driving maul right at the death – a decisive moment that sealed a crucial bonus-point victory. 

The result keeps the Bloemfontein outfit firmly in the race heading into the final round of league fixtures.

Captain Bradley Giddy told OFM Sport this was a vital win, not only for their semi-finals chances but also their confidence going forward.

“Ja, definitely – we needed this for ourselves, just to prove that we’re there. It’s obviously going to be tough to get through, but it’s all in God’s hands now,” said Giddy.

Bradley Giddy led the Shimlas from the front and proved to be a true backline general. Photo: Hannes Naudé/ASEM Engage

“For the team, this will give us a lot of confidence going into the next round. Like I said, if it’s God’s plan for us to go through, then we’ll go through and give it our absolute best.

“For now, our focus is on the next game and sticking to our processes. And yes, we need guys like Henri van Heerden and Maynard Kleynhans to step up like that – so credit to them for a massive performance.”

Meanwhile, in wet conditions on the other side of the city, the University of Johannesburg secured a hard-earned 29-13 win over CUT, although the scoreline didn’t fully reflect how tight the match was.

Reuven Ferreira on the charge for the Orange Army. Photo: Hannes Naudé/ASEM Engage

UJ struck first through Francois Prinsloo, but CUT stayed within touching distance thanks to the boot of Kehan Myburgh, trailing just 5-3 at half-time in a tense and physical contest. Myburgh briefly edged the hosts ahead early in the second half with another penalty before JT Kapank restored UJ’s lead with a try.

The momentum continued to swing as Toy Engelbrecht extended the visitors’ advantage, only for Jean-Louis Theron to respond immediately with a point-of-origin try that kept CUT right in the contest at 15-13 in favour of the visitors.

However, as the game entered its final stages, UJ found another gear. Late tries from Coun-Lee Koekman and Exauce Kevani ultimately put the result beyond doubt, giving the visitors a valuable bonus-point win and strengthening their push for a semi-final berth.

Matthys Malan of Ixias getting brought down in the tackle. Photo: Hannes Naudé/ASEM Engage

For CUT, the defeat will sting. Set-piece struggles, particularly at the lineout, proved costly and denied them key attacking opportunities. While the performance showed resilience and intent, the Ixias now head into the final round knowing their Varsity Cup status hangs in the balance.

Meanwhile, over at the Danie Craven Stadium, the Stellenbosch University Maties claimed a vital 30-26 win over the North-West University Eagles, which saw the team from Potchefstroom drop to second on the log. 

In Pretoria, the University of Pretoria Tuks had to dig deep for a hard-earned 27-24 victory against Emeris (Varsity College) to reclaim top spot.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg