Publications
Partners
The University of the Free State’s (UFS) Shimlas have finally shaken off the cobwebs by claiming this year’s Varsity Cup. The jail-breaking victory of 45 – 42 over the stubborn University of Cape Town (UCT) Ikeys see the local lads end their lengthy trophyless spell, which spanned eight years.
The nail-biting final was played in the capacity-packed Shimla Park in Bloemfontein on Monday, 22 April. This was sweet revenge for the Shimlas, as they atoned for the loss against the Capetonians in the semifinal last year. The visitors were hopeful for a repeat of last year’s feat, when they beat the Shimlas 65 – 30.
The Kovsie lads lifted the coveted trophy for the second time since 2015. The Shimlas snatched the win at the end of full-time, courtesy of Ethan Wentzel’s penalty. The well-taken penalty sent the fans into raptures, who then invaded the pitch to celebrate with the players after their hard-fought win.
The free-scoring match had fans on the edge of their seats, especially when the two teams’ scores were levelled at 42 in the second stanza. At some point, the Ikeys had their noses in the lead by 31 – 26.
However, the Shimlas fought gallantly to narrow the scoreline – and ultimately emerged victorious.
The Shimlas’ scrumhalf, Jandré Nel, was named the FNB Player That Rocks; and judging by his face after the game, one could see it truly was a matter of blood, sweat, and tears that led the team of Bloemfontein to this moment.
