Pukke stun the Maties

2008-09-11 21:05

Stellenbosch - The University of North West, popularly known as Pukke, have stunned the reigning champions, Stellenbosch University's Maties, with a 23-20 victory in their SAA National Club Rugby Championship semi-final at the Danie Craven Stadium, Stellenbsoch, on Thursday evening.

The Pukke who lead 10-3 at the break will advance through to the 2008 final and will clash with KZN's College Rovers to decide the destiny of this season's title.

Pukke (10) 23 Maties (3) 20

Two tries from left wing Lola Waka and 13 points from the boot of flyhalf Devan Eckard was enough to give Pukke a nailbiting semifinal victory over the defending champions.

In a typical knockout match, punctuated by tight defence, Pukke were the better side and seemed to benefit from a tough quarterfinal fixture against UJ, while Maties on the other hand seemed off the pace after cantering to their two earlier wins in the tournament.

Eckard opened the scoring in the third minute, before Maties Henoe Stoffberg equalised four minutes later with the first of his five penalties.

Both Wakas tries were against the run of play, with the first coming in the 14th minute to give Pukke a 10-3 lead going into halftime.

Stoffberg and Eckard continued to trade penalties after the break and it was the Matie kicker who looked to have rescued his off-colour team with a 70th minute kick that gave Stellenbosch the lead.

But it wasnt to be, as Eckard was given another opportunity almost immediately afterwards, which he took, before Wakas late score sealed matters and ensured that a new club champion will be crowned this year.

- SAPA