Sampson try seals it for Ikeys
A late Marcello Sampson try helped FNB UCT maintain their unbeaten record in the 2010 Varsity Cup, the Men from Cape Town edging out FNB UJ 30-23 in a classic encounter in Johannesburg on Monday.
The Ikeys looked the better team in the first half and also took their opportunities when it mattered after the break in an absorbing FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International fixture.
The visitors were allowed to run freely from the kick-off and the ensuing 50-metre kick put the visitors ahead within in the first minute by 3-0. And there was more poor tackling that gave UCT opportunities to go back on attack.
Thereafter, the Ikeys Tigers often preferred a kick from the ruck to put pressure on UJ who, when they had the rare opportunity to run in between penalties, looked dangerous.
But poor options and finishing cost them, despite their rucking in the second half - when allowed - setting up some good (squandered) possession.
UCT led 17-13 at half-time (thanks to a Sean van Tonder try) but in the second half, with the penalties marginally less, UJ started to dominate up front and set up some good possession. Unfortunately for them, average options cost them.
However, a drive from a lineout led to a try after 65 minutes by never-say-die UJ hooker Edgar Marutlulle, which was converted by André Smith, to bring the scores level at 23-all.
Then, again, it was poor defence that gave the visiting Ikeys the edge and, ultimately, the four points from the fixture.
UJ were marginally on top at that stage, but a poor clearance gave UCT the chance to attack from their own half and wing Marcello Sampson, with a great hand-off and good speed, scored for replacement back Doug Mallett to convert with just seven minutes remaining.
In the end, the score from Sampson (pictured) - the leading try-scorer in the history of the Varsity Cup - separated the two sides and handed UCT a fourth win of the season, having, of course, drawn their opening match of the season against Shimlas.
The scorers:
For FNB UJ:
Tries: Killian, Marutlulle
Cons: Luus, Smith
Pens: Luus 3
For FNB UCT:
Tries: Van Tonder, Sampson
Con: Mallett
Pens: Rosslee 5, Mallett
The teams:
UJ: 15 Earl Lewis, 14 Bernado Botha, 13 Clinton de Klerk (captain), 12 Luhan Steenkamp, 11 Lola Waka, 10 Ryno Luus, 9 Jaco 'Haas' Snyman, 8 Hennie Killian, 7 Wiehan Roos, 6 JP Janse van Rensburg, 5 Marnus van Huyssteen, 4 Martin Lombard, 3 Clint van Niekerk, 2 Edgar Marutlulle, 1 Charl du Plessis.
Replacements: 16 Brett Claassens, 17 JP Olivier, 18 Corné Cordier, 19 Quintin Minnaar, 20 Danny Botha, 21 André Smith, 22 Aubrey McDonald, 23 Jaco Claassen.
UCT: 15 Therlow Pietersen, 14 Pete Haw, 13 Marcel Brache, 12 Sean van Tonder, 11 Marcello Sampson, 10 Matt Rosslee, 9 Stu Commins (captain), 8 JJ Gagiano, 7 Zandy Macdonald, 6 André Goosen, 5 Donovan Armand, 4 Levi Odendaal, 3 Grant Kemp, 2 Dayne Jans, 1 Ash Wells.
Replacements: 16 Matthew Page, 17 Chris Heidberg, 18 Mike Ledwidge, 19 Sam Peter, 20 JP Robert, 21 Douglas Mallett, 22 Mark Esterhuizen, 23 Wesley Chetty.
Referee: Archie Sehlako
* Above picture by Peter van As.