UWC's stunning comeback denies Gemmies victory in Varsity Shield

Sol Plaatje University’s (SPU) dreams of a statement victory in their debut Varsity Shield campaign ended in heartbreak at Suzuki Park as a dominant first-half performance was undone by a stunning University of the Western Cape (UWC) comeback. 

Despite leading 33-7 early in the second half, the Kimberley-based side saw their advantage evaporate as UWC stormed back to claim a 57-40 victory.

Roared on by their home supporters, Gemmies set the pace early, with Khanya Kama’s penalty opening the scoring before Bokamosa Maphisa and Jan Potgieter crossed the try line to establish an 18-0 lead inside the first half-hour. 

Even with a yellow card to Leslie Ruiters, the hosts remained in control, adding further points through a Thando Shipalana try and a sensational effort from Liyabona Maplanga to go into halftime with a commanding 28-7 advantage.

The dream scenario continued early in the second half as Tyron China’s try stretched the lead to 33-7. At that stage, an SPU victory seemed inevitable. 

But UWC had other ideas.

UWC captain Romauld Nsombamanya ignited a dramatic turnaround with three tries in the space of seven minutes, while Aaron Swartz kept the scoreboard ticking with accurate kicking. By the 58th minute, UWC had wiped out SPU’s lead, leveling the score at 33-33 through Melumzi Mandongana’s try.

A second yellow card for Ruiters proved costly, as the resulting penalty try handed UWC the lead. Leigh Braaf and Nsombamanya struck again, extending the visitors’ advantage beyond reach. 

Gemmies managed one final try, but it was not enough to stop the wave of UWC momentum, with Juma Amisi sealing the 40-57 result.

For SPU, it was a night of bitter disappointment – what should have been a historic victory in front of their home crowd slipped through their fingers. Their debut Varsity Shield campaign has shown plenty of promise, but this result will serve as a harsh lesson in the unforgiving nature of top-level competition.