Ikeys topple Tuks
12 Apr 2011
UCT broke their Varsity Cup curse with a 26-16 victory over Tuks in the final in Pretoria.
UCT shot out of the gates, scoring in the first minute after stealing a Tuks lineout feed and shifting the ball wide to No 8 Greg Mallett. Demetri Catrakilis added the extras, but that was as good as it got for the Capetonians in the first half.
Tuks’ intensity, power and accuracy in the collisions was impressive, and their work at the breakdown rabid. That stifled UCT’s ability to play the expansive game they are renowned for, and their unwillingness to shift to a more pragmatic approach cost them initially.
Tuks conversely seemed to have found their attacking groove after a slow start, flyhalf Wesley Dunlop sinking two penalties before centre Jean du Plessis rounded off a move that featured efficient phase play. Dunlop banked the conversion and later a penalty, before Catrakilis made it a six point deficit (16-10) going down the tunnel.
Tuks had bossed the facets of play that mattered up to that point, with UCT having a limited rebuttal to their brutal gain line assault and set piece superiority. A rebound looked unlikely at that stage, but the visitors showed a greater appreciation for building a platform and profited as a result. Two Catrakilis penalties got them level with 25 minutes to play and with that came a patent shift in momentum.
Tuks’ defensive resolve was steadily eroded by their determined opponents, and when UCT hooker Matthew Page finished off a move that featured multiple phases, you sensed Tuks’ resistance had been depleted. Catrakilis continued his flawless kicking performance with the conversion and a fourth penalty to establish a 10 point lead.
The hosts finished strongly, but UCT’s defensive effort was immense, tackling desperately through a plethora of phases for six minutes to hold on for a deserved victory.
59 Comments
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12 Apr 2011, 08:24 am
What a brilliant game.
I thoroughly enjoyed the game I thought it was a spectical to watch. Skills and running rugby in this tournament have the can attribute to it success.
Finally we won the Cup. I will say – if we had played stellies we probably would’ve lost. I don’t understand the Stellenbosch – UCT thing, it’s an enigma – they just have out number.
As for @Nartjie(Nartjie)-36: you’re a tool. UCT deserved to win no matter which way you spin it. Don’t be angry cos you were beaten by an amateur side. Tukke were extraordinary on the night and they looked like winning it for a large part. What a pity the supporters are such wingers.
Now UCT, how about doing something about a stand/lights. On a side note, Max Price is a doosh. Made UCT sound like a bunch of snobs.
12 Apr 2011, 10:02 am
@Michael(mikeybrass)-49: UCT are the Sacs. It used to the the South African College (SAC).
12 Apr 2011, 11:03 am
Great game, well done Ikeys.
I felt the whistle blower was in danger of spoiling a good game with some of his calls?? No matter the players got to grips with the situation and turned out a very worthy performance. I think there are a few of these youngsters we will be seeing a lot more of, Dunlop for one, he looks to be a very useful “10″.
Great defence in the closing minutes by the Ikeys, thankfully the discipline was good too. Over all, good rugby!
12 Apr 2011, 11:15 am
No guts, no glory! Awesome victory. It reminded me so much of the Intervarsity at Newlands in 1976, when the Ikeys gutsed out a grinding win against a potent Maties side in driving rain. I was privileged to be in the stands that day to witness it. A young Nick Mallet at #8 too. Is the Ikeys No. 8 with the scruffy Mohican haircut who last night scored the opening try, related to Nick?
Anyone else remember that 1976 game?
12 Apr 2011, 12:40 pm
last movement no 51
calling the uct head a slanderous name shows exactly what you are.
you should be ashamed of yourself degenerating to such levels.
bet you have no sporting abilities whatsoever.
time you took a good look in the mirror.
12 Apr 2011, 13:26 pm
@FoxAche(FoxAche)-54: Remember the 1976 Intervarsity game very well, was at Stellenbosch in my second year. Nick Mallett and Dave Zietsman at scrumhalf combined well in the wet to help set up a memorable win for the Ikeys
12 Apr 2011, 15:15 pm
54 fox
that varsity no 8 geg mallet is the son of dave mallet nics brother..
bishops are the feeders these days to varsity..
but they are not the only ones.
basil bey a great varsity former skipper and legendary bishops coach must have been amongst the many thousands throughout the world who were thrilled with the victory which had so much guts and glory.
12 Apr 2011, 16:21 pm
57 Norman.
I have been on the receiving end of Basil Bey’s counter-attacking teams too often!! Am amazed that he hasn’t been brought in as an attacking consultant for Bok sides over the past decade or two. Thanks for clearing up the Greg Mallet issue.
2 Jun 2011, 08:09 am
its true
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