It was a long time coming, so it was understandable that the jubilance of the Mopanie team knew no bounds on Monday after becoming the first ever UP team to claim the much sought-after Steinhoff hostel rugby championship title, a competition that is run concurrently with, and as part of, the Varsity Cup series.

Mopanie beat three-time champions Vishuis from the University of the Free State 29-23 in a pulsating final played at Shimla Park in Bloemfontein.

It was a tightly contested match in which the lead changed hands several times. The last four minutes were nerve-racking as Vishuis initially took the lead (23-22) in the 66th minute with a penalty goal before Mopanie made sure of the win with a penalty goal in the 68th minute (24-23) and a last-minute try.

Mopanie flanker Stephan Smith was named Steinhoff Player that Rocks.

Mopanie scorers

Tries: Stephan Smith, Paul Kruger, Charl van der Merwe

Conversions: Dean Alberts (2)

Penalties: Dean Alberts (4)