Sol Plaatje University kept themselves in the contest with a well-worked try from Tumelo Papane and a penalty slotted by the ever reliable Khanya Kama (pictured).
Image: Louis Botha
The FNB Sol Plaatje University Gemmies put up a spirited fight in East London but fell agonisingly short once again, losing 21-20 to the FNB Walter Sisulu University All Blacks in a wet and soggy FNB Varsity Shield clash at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium on Friday evening.
Determined to turn their fortunes around after a string of narrow defeats against the competition’s more seasoned and experienced teams, the Gemmies arrived hungry to make a statement away from home. WSU, still searching for their first win of the season, were under pressure but showed what passionate home crowd support can accomplish.
As has been the case before, the weather seemed to work against the Gemmies. The wet and heavy conditions made for difficult handling, and the All Blacks managed the first half better, heading into the break with a 14-8 lead thanks to tries from Elam Kuse and winger Khanya Solani, both successfully converted by Isiphe Mbini.
The visitors, however, kept themselves in the contest with a well-worked try from Tumelo Papane and a penalty slotted by the ever reliable Khanya Kama.
WSU extended their lead in the second half when lock forward Siseko Mani powered over for their third try. And despite the tough conditions, the Gemmies refused to back down. Fullback Bokamoso Maphisa reignited the fight with a crucial try, and Liyabona Maplanga crossed the line in the 78th minute to bring the visitors within a single point.
With time running out, Gemmies pressed hard for a late winner, but to their credit, the All Blacks from the Eastern Cape held firm in the dying moments to edge a nail-biting contest.
While the result was another painful near-miss, Gemmies once again proved they can go toe-to-toe with the competition’s best. With their fighting spirit undiminished, they will look to turn the experience of these these narrow losses into victories in the weeks ahead.
Their focus now turns to their next match, also on the road, against the University of Fort Hare (UFH) on Friday. The match kicks off at 5pm at the Davidson Stadium in a little town called Alice.
Gemmies, having slipped to fifth spot on the log will have it in their mind to pick up some much needed points and momentum against the team lying rock bottom of the log with four losses from their four games.
However, the Sol Plaatje University team will know that in a competition of this calibre there is no such thing as an easy game, and they will prepare themselves mentally, physically and tactically for what they know will be a bruising battle against a desperate and dangerous UFH Blues team.
SCORERS:
FNB WSU: 21 (14)
Tries: Elam Kuse, Khanya Solani, Siseko Mani.
FNB SPU: 20 (8)
Tries: Tumelo Papane, Bokamoso Maphisa, Liyabona Maplanga.
FNB Player That Rocks: Khanya Solani (WSU)