UP-Tuks play Naka Bulle on Saturday in the concluding round of the group phase. The match takes places at Tuks Stadium (16.00 kick-off). UP-Tuks only need a single log point to finish first and retain the Lucas Strachan Shield.

UP-Tuks have already made sure of being one of the two Blue Bulls clubs taking part in the Top 8 Competition of the Predator Cup Series as they can no longer finish lower than second on the Carlton League log. The two Blue Bulls clubs will lock horns with their counterparts from the Golden Lions, Valke and Leopards.

MIXED FEELINGS

UP-Tuks 1 Head Coach Riaan Vorster had mixed feelings after his team’s nail biting win against Police, which was only secured in the 76th minute.

“The win against Police will do wonders for our confidence and momentum. Granted, we did not play well in the first half and will have to get behind the reasons for our lethargic performances that almost had us in all kinds of trouble not only against Police, but also Harlequins in the preceding match.

“Against Quins we were level at halftime (3-3), but managed to win 35-17 after a significantly better second half. Against Police we were even worse off at the break after a lacklustre first 40 minutes in which the team cohesion and first time tackling were most disappointing. We put ourselves under unnecessary pressure by trailing 10-24 at the break.”

“However, we came back with a bang in the second half and showed a lot of character and fighting spirit. This how I want us to play.”

UP-Tuks’ points were score by Jono Janse van Rensburg, Vainon Willis, Dirk Dippenaar, Dirko Smuts (tries), Tiaan Schoeman (2 conversions, 2 penalties) and Willie du Plessis (penalty).

Other results:

Tuks Fezelas 93, Police II 3; Tuks Pumas 44, Police III 10; Tuks Jongspan 57, Police u.21 13; Tuks u.19 17, Police u.19 10.