Brave KwaZulu-Natal Impi overcome Blues in their own fortress

UNIVERSITY of Fort Hare Blues have failed to break their chain of opening Varsity Shield losses after they were beaten 18-22 by University of KwaZulu-Natal Impi at the Davidson Stadium in Alice last night.

The Blues, who were last year’s runners up, were hoping to break the streak of losses in the competition.

UFH coach Lumumba Currie said they lost the game in the first half even though they had many opportunities to score tries. “There was a point where we were on top and we lost a scrum so I think it’s the way we handled ourselves during this game.

“I was hoping to build from this game but then again the tournament is not over. It’s still starting and everyone wants to build from the early games and now we have to try and catch up which is not good in a tournament like this one because that will put us under pressure.”

He said fortunately for them their next game against Rhodes University was at home and they were hoping for positive results.

“We just want to bounce back from this result because a lot people came out to support us and we disappointed them, it’s unacceptable.”

The two sides met twice last year with Blues losing 16-10 to the visitors in the pool stages in Petermariztburg, then the tables were turned in Alice when the Blues beat the Impi 45-8.

But last night, Impi’s Mcwabeni Sinamkele Sima opened the scoring account as early as the fifth minute when he slotted a penalty.

Nine minutes later Thobekani Buthelezi scored a try which Mcwabeni failed to convert.

Blues replied through full-back Kenan Richards who scored a penalty in the 30th minute. The hosts piled pressure on the visitors resulting in a try by Yamkela Mzozoyana which Yamnkela Mahintsho converted.

But Impi was war-ready and Praiseworth Melusi Mthabela made sure they stayed ahead when he scored a try in the 35th minute with Mcwabeni easily converting for their side to take a 15-10.

The Blues came into the game immediately in the second half after pushing for a try but the Impi defence was resolute. In the process UKZN struck with a try and then a penalty to move 22-10 up.

The Blues then fought back in the 65th minute as lock Philisani Ncoko barged over for a try, which they converted taking the score to 18-22.

In the 70th minute Blues’ Lukhanyiso Tosholwana and Impi’s Willem Badenhorst were given yellow cards following a brawl they started, with neither team adding to the scoreline allowing the Impi to seal a big win.