Maties paint the Green Mile maroon

The Maties went into this match as the favourites and proved it from the start. The visitors scored three tries into the wind and took a 23-9 lead at the break.

With nine minutes on the clock, UCT took a narrow 3-0 lead thanks to a successful penalty by Lohan Lubbe. The fullback could have extended that lead but failed to slot over a 55-metre kick.

In a moment of pure individual brilliance, Craig Barry took a quick tap-and-go, followed it up with a great grubber which bounced kindly to get home for a seven-point try. Flyhalf Chris Smith added the extras and Maties led 7-3 after 16 minutes.

The home side's troubles grew when they went down to 14 men. Centre Rico Lategan given a yellow card just before the strategic break.

With 10 minutes left in the first half, Maties found themselves in the UCT's red zone. And after a five-metre scrum, flyhalf Chris Smith collected the ball and burst past two defenders to score his side's second try.

Moments later, UCT flyhalf Anderson slotted a brilliant drop goal and a successful penalty to make it 9-16 but the visitors hit back with a try through Duncan Saal.

The right wing received a great pass from prop Jacobus van der Merwe – that made sure he had only one defender to beat – en route to his try, 23-9 to Maties as half-time approached.   

In the opening minutes of second half, UCT escaped further punishment after Edwill van der Merwe's possible try was ruled out due to a forward pass in the build-up. Soon UCT captain Nyasha Tarusenga handed his side a lifeline after he bashed over for a try to trail 16-23.

However, the home team then gifted Maties centre Michal Haznar a try. Haznar strolled over the line after his teammate Kobus van Dyk charged down Lategan's kick inside UCT's 22. After 55 minutes of play, Maties lead 30-16.

The Maties were not done yet as the replacement Stephan Streicher and Duncan Saal added two additional tries within minutes.

With five minutes left on the clock, UCT were struggling to keep up with the relentless onslaught of Maties. With the home crowd disappearing into the dark, Maties flyhalf Chris Smith sealed his brace and the victory.

The scorers:

For UCT:

Tries: Nyasha Tarusenga

Cons: Smith

Pens: Smith 2

DG: Smith

For Maties:

Tries: Barry, C Smith 2, Saal 2 , Haznar, Streicher,

Cons: Smith 3

Yellow Card: Rico Latergan (UCT, 18')

UCT-Ikeys: 15 Lohan Lubbe, 14 Rayno Mapoe, 13 Suwilanji Chibale, 12 Rico Lategan, 11 Joel Smith, 10 Robert Anderson, 9 Stefano de Gouveia, 8 Nyasha Tarusenga, 7 Luke Stringer, 6 Sanele Malwane, 5 Gary Porter, 4 Duncan Saffy, 3 Michael Kumbirai, 2 Cuan Hablutzel, 1 Wayrin Losper.

Replacements: 16 Martin Chandler, 17 William Day, 18 Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, 19 Kuyenzeka Xaba, 20 Vernon Petersen, 21 Hilio de Abreu, 22 Tristan Mouton, 23 Gerard Pieterse.

Maties: 15 Craig Barry, 14 Duncan Saal, 13 Michal Haznar, 12 Barend Smit, 11 Edwill van der Merwe, 10 Chris Smith, 9 Brendon Nell, 8 Devon Nash, 7 Kobus van Dyk, 6 Saud Abrahams, 5 Johannes Momsen, 4 Ernst van Rhyn, 3 Jacobus van der Merwe, 2 Craig Corbett, 1 Niel Oelofse.

Replacements: 16 Johan Kirsten, 17 Wesley Adonis, 18 Wikus Groenewald, 19 Mitchell Carstens, 20 Stephan Streicher, 21 Albertus de Wet, 22 Kyle Steyn, 23 Tiaan Swanepoel.

Referee: Rasivhenge Rasta

Assistant referees: Local

TMO: Joey Klaaste-Salmans