It might have been late but it was enough. A penalty before fulltime saw the Shimla secure a 23-21 win over Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) in Port Elizabeth on Monday night.
After beating NMMU on 9 March 2015, Shimlas still remain the only unbeaten side in this year’s Varsity Cup rugby tournament. However, Shimlas were replaced at the top of the log by the University of Pretoria after the latest round of fixtures.
Shimlas flank Refuoe Rampeta crossed for the first try shortly after kick-off, and flyhalf Niel Marais’ conversion put the UFS in an 8-0 lead early on. Soon after, Shimlas lock, Niel Claassen got over for their second try. Scrumhalf Renier Botha ploughed his way over the line to give Shimlas a heavy 21-0 advantage at the first strategy break.
Yet NMMU managed to fight back well for the remainder of the match, bringing the scores level at 21-21. Unfortunately, the home team could not keep this going, and a penalty kick sneaked in before the whistle blew secured the win for Shimlas.
UFS-Shimlas point scorers:
Tries: Rampeta, Claassen, Botha
Conversions: Marais 2
Penalties: Marais