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The University of the Free State’s (UFS) FNB UFS Shimlas emerged victorious in a dramatic Varsity Cup match on 17 March 2025, defeating the FNB CUT Ixias 16–9 in front of a passionate and rowdy home crowd at the UFS’s Shimla Park in Bloemfontein.

The win was another feather in the cap of a season marked by determination and grit as the Shimlas advance in the Varsity Cup, hoping to retain their champion status after their 2024 victory in the finals.

The match, played under challenging weather conditions with rain pouring down throughout, was a tense and hard-fought affair. Both teams fought hard, but it was the Shimlas who held their nerve in the final moments. Flyhalf Bradley Giddy played a pivotal role in the victory, calmly converting three penalties that kept his team in the lead, while winger Kirwin du Preez sealed the win with a brilliant try that sent the crowd into a frenzy.

The Shimlas started the game strong, holding off an early surge from the CUT Ixias. The first half saw both teams exchanging penalty kicks, with Giddy and the Ixias’ kicker each adding three points to their respective tallies. However, the Shimlas began to assert themselves in the second half, dominating possession and territory and setting up the try from Du Preez after a powerful line break.

The atmosphere at Shimla Park was electric, with supporters chanting, singing, and waving flags throughout the match. The crowd, drenched by the rain but undeterred, cheered on their team with relentless energy. “We’ve been waiting for this moment for years,” said one ecstatic fan. “The Shimlas have really shown what it means to fight for your school. The lightning did not stop our thunder!”

The Shimlas’ performance wasn’t just about the big names on the field; it was a collective effort from every player, each contributing to the hard-fought victory. The team’s defence was impenetrable at times, with fullback Liam Pienaar pulling off crucial tackles, while the forwards were relentless in their physicality, driving the team forward.

The Ixias were also not without their moments of brilliance. Their set pieces were strong, and they challenged the Shimlas right to the very end, but the late-game heroics from Giddy and Du Preez ensured that the Shimlas held onto their narrow lead.

The crowd erupted in jubilation at the final whistle. Students, alumni, and supporters from across the province gathered to celebrate the Shimlas’ victory, with chants of “Shim Shim Shimlas!” echoing across the stadium.

With this win, the FNB UFS Shimlas keep their hopes of advancing in the Varsity Cup alive. As the competition continues, the team will look to build on this victory as they head into the remaining fixtures – with their eyes set on a spot in the finals.

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