Home semi for Ikey Tigers after narrow loss

Rematch '“ UCT's Marcello Sampson scores in 2008's game against Pukke. The Ikey Tigers will host Pukke in the 2009 Varsity Cup semi final.

Ikeys lost a tight affair against Pukke (North West University) in Potchefstroom on Monday night, going down 17-13, but brought home a bonus point and a home semi-final next Monday.

UCT had the better of the lineouts but Pukke dominated the scrums. Both teams showed off their very accurate and quick attacking game. The score was tied 10-10 at halftime, as was possession.

The Ikeys were never in danger of going home empty handed, nor of giving Pukke a four-try bonus point, which would have meant a home semi-final for the men from the North and another tough trip for the Tigers. UCT will now host their Northern rivals in an all-or-nothing re-match of last year's semi-final on Monday, 23 March.

The Ikeys were a bit sleepy in the opening 15 minutes and Pukke quickly put on pressure with a penalty. Their winger crossed the line for what looked like a try, but lost the ball on the ground. Shortly after Pukke did score, going up 10-0.

The Ikeys were now waking up and Rosslee slotted a penalty to make it 10-3. UCT winger Marvin Christians raced down the touchline after a fumbled line-out to make it 10-8. Rosslee added the extra points for a 10-10 halftime score.

Pukke started the second half like a house in fire. They kicked penalties to touch, rather than going for points and were rewarded with a well-worked forwards try off a five-metre lineout. The conversion was added, taking the score to 17-10. The Tigers had the last say with a Rosslee penalty in the 77th minute to make it 17-13.

UCT now host Pukke in a cracking home semi-final on the Green Mile next Monday.

Tuks will play Maties having beaten them 25-23 to book their semi-final spot.