Maroela coach Etienne van der Merwe was chuffed with his team’s performance.

“There was nothing in it in the first half as we only led 10-7 at half-time. Their heavy pack of forwards kept us busy, but in the last 40 minutes our superior fitness made all the difference. Our expansive style of rugby had them in six and sevens,” said Van der Merwe.

Most encouraging about the win was Maroela’s vast importance in the problem areas exposed in the Lyceum knock-out league final against Sonop.

“We were, for instance, much more clinical at the breakdowns ensuring quality front foot possession,” said Van der Merwe.

He named Bornman, Rudolph Smith (lock) and flanker HJ Swanepoel as the players who excelled most.

Maroela’s tries were scored by Henk de Ridder and Swanepoel. Bornman converted both and also slotted home four penalty goals.

Over de Voor’s points came from a converted try and a penalty goal.

Maroela’s next Varsity Cup match is Saturday (March 7) against Dromedaris (UJ) in Johannesburg.