Last-gasp Ikeys go top

UCT has moved into first place on the Varsity Cup Log after their 34-31 win over the University of Johannesburg (UJ) on Monday night.

UCT clinched a last-gasp 34-31 win over the University of Johannesburg (UJ) in the inaugural FNB Varsity Cup on Monday night.

Ikeys flyhalf, Matt Rosslee, slotted a penalty virtually at full-time to secure the Ikeys' win, the team having fought back from 3-24 down at half-time - and a 17-31 second-half deficit.

Rosslee converted all four of UCT's second-half tries - one of which he scored himself - as the young Ikeys moved into first place on the Varsity Cup log after Maties went down 24-31 to NWU Pukke, also on Monday evening. At 17-31 down at one point, and playing at altitude, UCT could easily have let things slip, but the visitors kept ball in hand and forced UJ into making tackles out wide as they continued to use the width of the pitch.

Rosslee converted both of Marcello Sampson's tries to draw his team level at 31-31, before coolly stroking over the winning penalty from close-range. There were a few nervous moments before full-time, but the young Ikeys were elated when the hooter finally sounded at the UJ Stadium - handing them a victory that has put them one step closer to a possible semi-final place.

Ikeys head coach, John Dobson, said: "The guys showed enormous character to fight back like they did. It was a fantastic effort in the second half."