“Cometh the moment, cometh the man.”

That is exactly what UP-Tuks’ fly half, Steven Moir, did on Saturday, 21 July against Naka Bulle in the 2018 Carlton Cup final played at the Tuks Stadium.

Moir’s personal contribution of 24 points (six penalty goals and three conversions) was decisive in the outcome as both teams scored five tries. UP-Tuks won 49-32.

In the first half there was little to choose between the teams as UP-Tuks only led 23-22 at the break.
The second forty minutes saw UP-Tuks tightening the screws that resulted in Naka making more mistakes and conceding more penalties. UP-Tuks and Moir made the most of these opportunities to build up an unassailable lead on the scoreboard.
 
Nico Luus, UP-Tuks’ head coach hailed Moir’s clinical brilliance, but was also fast to point out that the win was the result of a team effort.  “We won because every player did what was expected of him. Steven’s contribution will of course stand out, but just as important as his efforts where those of his teammates. Every player can walk tall as it was only through a collective effort that UP-Tuks are champions again - well deserved and undisputed. After 13 Super League fixtures we are still unbeaten. We have scored the most tries (94) and conceded the least (37). We have accumulated the moist points (647) and conceded the least (285). In itself these statistics pay tribute to every one’s on and off the field contributions, no matter how big or how small,” said Luus.

For UP-Tuks the work is not done yet. With the Carlton Cup in the bag, UP-Tuks will now focus on also claiming the Super League championship title. The first hurdle to cross in this regard is in the semi-finals against Quins-Bobbies on 4 August.

UP-Tuks’ tries were scored by Brian Leitch, Armandt Jordaan, Theuns Reynolds, Ian Oosthuizen and Raegan Oranje. Steven Moir succeeded with three conversions and six penalty goals.