Cape Town - The University of the Western Cape (UWC) have won their opening match of the Varsity Shield in a closely fought encounter against Fort Hare.
UWC outscored their opponents by three tries to one with captain Philbrey Joseph crossing the whitewash twice, once in each half and replacement Jason Marcus touching down just before the final whistle.
Fort Hare grabbed a converted try of their own through Asiphe Fihla but they were never quite in touch with the visitors from the Cape although they did manage to grab a bonus point for losing by less than seven points.
Scores
Fort Hare 8
UWC 15
Teams
Fort Hare: 15 Akhona Matutu, 14 Aziyena Mandaba, 13 Luyolo Batshise, 12 Athiphila Mlotywa, 11 Asiphe Fihla, 10 Siviwe Bisset, 9 Qhama Masiza, 8 Philisani Ncoko, 7 Zanoxolo Qwele (captain), 6 Siphesihle Phunguzwa, 5 Lwando Ntetha, 4 Sibusiso Sityebi, 3 Olwethu Mputla, 2 Mzingabantu Vitsha, 1 Lusindiso Nkomo.
Replacements:
16 Justin Antonie, 17 Lukho Jongizulu, 18 Athenkosi Makeleni, 19 Malusi Vula, 20 Alandre Sias, 21 Misubukhosi Pieenar, 22 Ntsika Kula, 23 Lulamile Kama.
UWC: 15 Marcus Kleinbooi, 14 Byron Burgess, 13 Courtney Cupido, 12 Ruan Mostert, 11 Wilbre van Wyk, 10 Aubrey Wana, 9 Matthew Nortje, 8 Darren Luiters, 7 Jose Julies, 6 Philbrey Joseph (captain), 5 Matthew le Roux, 4 Brandon Valentyn, 3 Tahriq Allen, 2 Brandon-Lee Beukman, 1 Wayron Losper.
Replacements:
16 Peter Wanjiru, 17 Kelvin de Bruyn, 18 Alwyn Carstens, 19 Matthew Faught, 20 Jason Marcus, 21 Minenhle Mthethwa, 22 Dean Herbert, 23 Keenan Douw.