The FNB UFS Shimlas delivered when it mattered most on Monday night, beating the FNB UCT Ikeys 40–33 in a high-pressure Varsity Cup clash at Shimla Park in Bloemfontein.

With their semi-final hopes on the line, the home side produced a performance built on resilience and belief, responding to every momentum shift in a match that never settled for long.

The FNB UFS Shimlas opened the scoring through Vice Hofmeyr, who powered over from a well-executed maul. FNB UCT Ikeys responded in a similar fashion, setting the tone for a contest defined by physicality up front. Just before the break, Jaco Bezuidenhout added another maul try, and a penalty from Alex Vermeulen nudged the UFS into a narrow 12–10 lead at half-time.

The game changed pace early in the second half. Winger Kirwin du Preez finished a sharp point-of-origin move, before Erich Visser capitalised on a quick tap to stretch the lead. At that stage, the FNB UFS Shimlas appeared to have created breathing room.

That cushion did not last.

FNB UCT Ikeys responded with urgency, scoring two quick point-of-origin tries through Sino Brawen and Jack Benade within a space of two minutes. Moments later, they edged ahead for the first time when replacement hooker Johan Lombard crossed from a driving maul.

For the FNB UFS Shimlas, the challenge was no longer about control, but about composure.

With the match slipping away, flanker Ferdi Vergottini forced his way over in the closing stages, a try that shifted the energy back towards the hosts. As the final whistle approached, Bezuidenhout crashed over for his second try from another powerful maul – a decisive moment that reflected the team’s forward dominance and collective resolve.

“We are super proud of the response from the team,” says coach Andre Tredoux. “We spoke about being desperate and leaving all on the field, and even in the face of adversity, the boys stood up! We’ve given ourselves a chance to make the playoffs, and the boys are pumped to give everything in the last game!”

The result keeps the University of the Free State firmly in contention heading into the final round of league fixtures, with momentum now on their side.

In it to win it

Beyond the scoreboard, the performance highlighted a group willing to stay in the contest, even when momentum turned against them. Matches like this often come down to decision-making in critical moments – and on this occasion, the FNB UFS Shimlas found a way through.

Player of the Match honours went to Henri van Heerden, whose influence was felt in both the set piece and open play.

For KovsieSport, results like this speak to the continued development of student-athletes who compete at the highest level while representing the university with pride. The Varsity Cup remains one of the most visible platforms for student rugby in South Africa, and performances of this nature reinforce the role of sport in shaping leadership, discipline, and resilience.

As the competition moves into its final phase, the equation is clear: the FNB UFS Shimlas have given themselves a chance. What they do with it now will define their season.

The FNB UFS Shimlas will next play against FNB Emeris (away) on 30 March. 

Scorers

Tries: Vice Hofmeyer, Jaco Bezuidenhout (2), Kirwin du Preez (point-of-origin), Erich Visser, Ferdi Vergottini