Meshack Khotha
Meshack Khotha
University of Johannesburg (UJ) were crowned the Pirates Grand Challenge champions after a well-deserved 35-13 victory over the Puk Rugby Institute in the final at the weekend.
This game was a curtain-raiser to the Absa Currie Cup encounter between the Lions and log leaders Cheetahs at Ellis Park Stadium. An excited Hugo van As, UJ's coach, attributed his team's success to hard work and perseverance.
"We deserved to win because my boys put up a splendid show against the defending champions [Puk]. They never allowed their opponents to roam freely in their territory," said Van As.
Fyhalf Ryno Luus became the hero in the UJ camp when his excellent kicking and decision- making inspired the whole team. He was the top points scorer of the day with a try, two conversions and a drop goal for a total of 20 points for the champions.
Other UJ try scorers were Francois Uys, Itumeleng Mogotsi and Neil Visagie.
UJ's juniors added another trophy after narrowly beating Puk 13-12 in a tough Bailey Cup Under-19 final. But Puk consoled themselves in the same competition when they disposed of UJ 18-15 in the Under-20 category.
UJ crowned Grand Challenge champs
Meshack Khotha
Meshack Khotha
University of Johannesburg (UJ) were crowned the Pirates Grand Challenge champions after a well-deserved 35-13 victory over the Puk Rugby Institute in the final at the weekend.
This game was a curtain-raiser to the Absa Currie Cup encounter between the Lions and log leaders Cheetahs at Ellis Park Stadium. An excited Hugo van As, UJ's coach, attributed his team's success to hard work and perseverance.
"We deserved to win because my boys put up a splendid show against the defending champions [Puk]. They never allowed their opponents to roam freely in their territory," said Van As.
Fyhalf Ryno Luus became the hero in the UJ camp when his excellent kicking and decision- making inspired the whole team. He was the top points scorer of the day with a try, two conversions and a drop goal for a total of 20 points for the champions.
Other UJ try scorers were Francois Uys, Itumeleng Mogotsi and Neil Visagie.
UJ's juniors added another trophy after narrowly beating Puk 13-12 in a tough Bailey Cup Under-19 final. But Puk consoled themselves in the same competition when they disposed of UJ 18-15 in the Under-20 category.