The Fort Hare Blues bounced back in style on Monday night to beat 2016 Varsity Shield runners-up the University of the Western Cape (UWC) in their second match of the competition.
The Blues were shocked by debutants the Walter Sisulu University All Blacks in their opening match last week, but made the perfect response in downing UWC in a nailbiting match that ended 32-31 at the Davidson Stadium in Alice.
“I am extremely happy for the guys after their bounce back win, it was an impressive turnaround from the last match and it was good to get a win,” Fort Hare director of rugby, Elliot Fana, said.
“Looking at the game itself the guys were hungry from the minute go. They wanted to win, especially after last week’s loss and they managed to do it.
“The players are still not at 100%, I know that we can get more out of them and if they play to their potential they can do very well in this competition.”
In the match Fort Hare took a commanding lead, before UWC came storming back and only a dedicated defensive effort kept the visitors out.
“It was fantastic defence from the team, we were comfortable but then I think the guys got a bit complacent and UWC came right back, but in the end the team regrouped and defended extremely well at the end,” said Fana.
“Although it was a team effort I must give credit to our new centre Somila Jho, he has been superb since joining us and put in another massive performance against UWC.
“He was solid in defence and exciting on attack and he has taken to life here very well, everyone likes him and he just seems to give the team a lift.”
For the WSU they kicked on from their opening win over their rivals the Blues by thumping the University of KwaZulu-Natal Impi 42-21 to secure top spot on the log.
It was the first Varsity Shield match to have ever been played at the BCM Stadium and the All Blacks responded superbly to a vocal home support that roared them to victory.
“We didn’t expect this, but we taking each game as it comes and we are trying to build up some momentum,” WSU captain Mihlali Qoma said.
“Two wins in a row is a very good start and puts us in a great position.”
However, Rhodes University went down 13-10 against Central Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) in their second match at the Rhodes Great Field.
It proved to be their second heartbreaking loss of the competition after they were beaten 16-12 in their opening match against the Tshwane University of Technology Vikings last week.
“It is really mixed feelings for me, the guys are putting together some great performances, but we just aren’t getting over the line,” Rhodes coach Qondakele Sompondo said.
“We led in the match against CPUT until the 76th minute, so to lose the game was very disappointing. But I can’t fault the effort of the players, they are trying extremely hard and their performance against TUT... was very good and they were really unlucky against CPUT.”
The Varsity Shield continues next week Monday with all three teams in action again.
Fort Hare blast off in grand style
The Blues were shocked by debutants the Walter Sisulu University All Blacks in their opening match last week, but made the perfect response in downing UWC in a nailbiting match that ended 32-31 at the Davidson Stadium in Alice.
“I am extremely happy for the guys after their bounce back win, it was an impressive turnaround from the last match and it was good to get a win,” Fort Hare director of rugby, Elliot Fana, said.
“Looking at the game itself the guys were hungry from the minute go. They wanted to win, especially after last week’s loss and they managed to do it.
“The players are still not at 100%, I know that we can get more out of them and if they play to their potential they can do very well in this competition.”
In the match Fort Hare took a commanding lead, before UWC came storming back and only a dedicated defensive effort kept the visitors out.
“It was fantastic defence from the team, we were comfortable but then I think the guys got a bit complacent and UWC came right back, but in the end the team regrouped and defended extremely well at the end,” said Fana.
“Although it was a team effort I must give credit to our new centre Somila Jho, he has been superb since joining us and put in another massive performance against UWC.
“He was solid in defence and exciting on attack and he has taken to life here very well, everyone likes him and he just seems to give the team a lift.”
For the WSU they kicked on from their opening win over their rivals the Blues by thumping the University of KwaZulu-Natal Impi 42-21 to secure top spot on the log.
It was the first Varsity Shield match to have ever been played at the BCM Stadium and the All Blacks responded superbly to a vocal home support that roared them to victory.
“We didn’t expect this, but we taking each game as it comes and we are trying to build up some momentum,” WSU captain Mihlali Qoma said.
“Two wins in a row is a very good start and puts us in a great position.”
However, Rhodes University went down 13-10 against Central Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) in their second match at the Rhodes Great Field.
It proved to be their second heartbreaking loss of the competition after they were beaten 16-12 in their opening match against the Tshwane University of Technology Vikings last week.
“It is really mixed feelings for me, the guys are putting together some great performances, but we just aren’t getting over the line,” Rhodes coach Qondakele Sompondo said.
“We led in the match against CPUT until the 76th minute, so to lose the game was very disappointing. But I can’t fault the effort of the players, they are trying extremely hard and their performance against TUT... was very good and they were really unlucky against CPUT.”
The Varsity Shield continues next week Monday with all three teams in action again.
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