Durban – The FNB Emeris Comets secured a dramatic 26-24 victory over a determined FNB CUT outfit on Monday night at Emeris Durban North, marking their first-ever win in the FNB Varsity Cup.
The match began at a lively pace, with both teams showing attacking intent and testing each other’s defensive structures. The breakthrough came after sustained pressure from the Comets, when CUT’s Jade Muller was yellow-carded for a deliberate knockdown. Capitalising on the advantage, Comets captain Jacques Marais powered over from a driving maul in the 18th minute, with Drico Marx converting for a 7-0 lead.
The home side quickly built momentum. Thando Luthuli crossed the line following a sweeping attack, before fullback Chijindu Okonta added another, stretching the lead to 17-0. CUT responded just before half-time, as Muller finished off a relentless passage of play to reduce the deficit to 17-7.
The Comets struck early in the second half, with Okonta grabbing his second try, converted by Marx to make it 26-7. However, CUT mounted a fierce comeback. Tries from Matthys Malan, Muller, and Winton Abrahams, along with accurate kicking by Kehan Myburgh, narrowed the score to 26-24.
Despite two yellow cards putting them under pressure, the Comets’ defence held firm in the closing stages. They withstood relentless attacks from CUT to secure a memorable and hard-fought victory.
