The thrilling 11-try encounter between SPU and Varsity College saw the hosts come out like a house on fire, but fall short right at the end of the game played at Suzuki Stadium in Kimberley.
Image: Louis Botha
Vernon Sanders Law said it best: “Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson afterward.”
The Sol Plaatje University Gemmies will understand what this quote means after Friday’s Varsity Shield game against the Varsity College Comets at the Suzuki Stadium in Kimberley.
The dramatic showdown at a rain-soaked Suzuki Stadium saw SPU let an early 21-point lead slip against the team from Sandton who eventually won the encounter 36-43 in what must have been agonising for the hosts.
It has to be said that for a team making their first appearance in such an elite tournament the Gemmies have impressed, notwithstanding the defeats they have suffered. More experienced teams in the Varsity Shield are by now all too aware that a match against the Gemmies will not guarantee you soft points.
The thrilling 11-try encounter saw the hosts come out like a house on fire. Gemmies ran the Comets defence ragged scoring three quick tries through Jaiden Faviers, Jan Potgieter and Stephan Du Toit before the visitors had time to settle their nerves.
However, Jaque Marias's try ignited what would turn out to be an epic comeback for the Comets, who up to this point had been visibly flustered. Gemmies' kicking maestro, Khanya Kama, kept the local fans hopeful though as he ensured that the hosts went into halftime with a slender three-point lead, his successful penalty putting them 24-21 ahead.
Edward Sigauke's two tries put the Comets ahead in the 68th minute, but SPU refused to give up. They battled back, closing the gap to just three points with only four minutes left on the stadium clock.
Yet, despite their valiant effort, Chandler Green scored a last-minute try, sealing the victory for the Comets who could call on their experience after finishing as runner's-up last season, and bringing disappointment to the valiant Gemmies side.
In the end, though Gemmies may have failed the test SPU fans can be sure that the harsh lesson has been learned.
Meanwhile, CPUT continued their winning streak in the tournament, securing a comfortable victory over Walter Sisulu University at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium in East London on Friday.
The University of the Western Cape also maintained their undefeated status and solidified their top position on the log with a decisive win against the University of Fort Hare in Bellville.
Additionally, both FNB Madibaz and FNB Varsity College achieved victories in their away matches.
SCORERS
FNB SPU: 36 (24)Tries: Jan Potgieter, Ethan Manus, Stephan du Toit, Jaiden Faviers, Bokamoso Maphisa
FNB Varsity College: 46 (21)Tries: Jaques Marais, Mambo Mkhize, Edward Sigauke (2), Chandler Green, Bradley MoroneyFNB Player That Rocks: Jacque Marias (Varsity College)
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