FNB Varsity College players Enzo van Niekerk (left) and Jacques Marais (right) celebrate a try during the Comet’s 52-17 semi- final win over FNB CPUT in the FNB Varsity Shield on Friday (April 4)
Image: GERHARD DURAAN
The FNB Varsity College Comets have booked their spot in the 2025 FNB Varsity Shield final after Friday night’s (April 4) match against the FNB Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT).
The Comets put in a solid all-round performance to beat FNB CPUT 52-17.
A quality second half display from the Comets was the difference as they ran in an impressive five tries in the second period to blow CPUT away.
After a cagey first 14 minutes of the match it was the home side who reverted to type and put in a dominant line-out drive. Hooker Jacques Marais charged over for the opening score of the match. Drico Marx converted in some tough conditions to give the Comets a 7-0 lead.
The Comets then got back on the front foot with the wind at their back and a scoring chance nearly went begging when the CPUT flyhalf Oyitando Maseti deliberately knocked the ball down five metres from his own line.
His actions led to a yellow card and the Comets were awarded a penalty try to take a 14-0 lead in the first 17 minutes. The Comets had their third try just two minutes later when a sweeping play saw some good interplay from the backs and forwards which ended with scrumhalf AB Mthembu diving over for the try.
Marx was on target with the conversion and the Comets were out to a quick 21-0 lead. The rest of the half saw the Comets battle with the slippery ball as they spoilt a chance to score with a knock-on close to the line. They would maintain their 21-0 lead into the halftime break, however the Comets would have to play into a stiff breeze in the second stanza.
Against the early run of play in the second half the Comets got the first points. A breakout from captain Mthembu saw Enzo van Niekerk charge away to score under the posts. Marx converted to give the Comets a 28-0 lead after 51 minutes. CPUT then scored their first try through Gerald Ghambi to get their first points after 58 minutes. It was important that the Comets hit back, and they did. Drico Marx scored from a tidy pick and went on the line. He was unable to convert but the Comets led 33-5 with 53 minutes gone in the clash.
It was the Comets who pounced on a loose ball in their own half to take play deep into CPUT territory. Another dominant driving line-out saw Marais get over for his second try. Marx converted to give the Comets a 40-5 lead with less than ten minutes on the clock. CPUT got themselves a second try through reserve scrumhalf Clyde Frieslaar. Carick Kustoor converted the try to take the CPUT to 17 points.
It was the visitors that scored again to further narrow the gap. This time it was wing Iwaan Bloys who scored in the corner to see the Comets leading 40-17 with three minutes to play. Varsity College then found their final gear as Chandler Green showed his pace to score in the corner. A try which Marx couldn’t convert.
The home side then finished with all the momentum as Juan Steyl scored and converted his own try to see the Comets to a convincing 52-17 victory. The 2025 FNB Varsity Shield final will see the FNB Varsity College Comets take on the FNB Madibaz.