Defending champions Shimlas held off a second-half comeback from UJ, while Maties continued a perfect start to the 2025 Varsity Cup with a big win against CUT in Stellenbosch.
The Free State students subdued UJ to secure a narrow 49-45 win at Shimla Park in Bloemfontein. The hosts dominated the first 40 minutes, with flanker Ramon Uys scoring a brace of tries, before flyhalf Bradley Giddy slotted a massive 55m penalty. Hooker Ryan Marimo crossed the whitewash with centre Adriano Jackson scoring a point-of-origin try as UJ reduced the deficit to just three points.
Shimlas’ hooker Vice Hofmeyer scored before scrumhalf Hlumelo Klaas added a point-of-origin try to secure the bonus-point and a 40-14 lead going into the break. UJ responded in the second half, taking the game to the defending champions. Yellow cards to Shimlas prop Ntokozo Hlope and replacement forward Marno Stopforth gave UJ an opportunity to work their way back into the match. Adriano Jackson scored his second, along with Dylan Viljoen, Ughan Africa, and Alzeadon Felix all dotting down to get the visitors ahead. A late seven-pointer from Shimlas’ Lilitha Lunqe put the game to bed and secured the points for the hosts.
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