A hat-trick by Maties winger, Duncan Saal, was enough for the Stellenbosch-based side to defeat Tuks at the Danie Craven Stadium on Monday evening.

Maties walked away with a comfortable 29-16 win to remain on top of the log in this year’s Varsity Cup.

Despite the home side dominating possession and territory early on, it was Tuks who opened the scoring with a nine-point try against the run of play. A turnover on Tuks’ own try line gave the visitors an opportunity, which was seized by right wing Keanan van Wyk thanks to a lucky bounce after the ball was kicked ahead.

Maties, not to be outdone, responded in style with a nine-pointer of their own five minutes later.

It was Saal who would score thanks to some great foot work from his fullback. After a period of poor handling by both sides and the scores locked at nine apiece, it was the winger who scored his second in the 31^st minute after the speedster went over in the corner. It was a great team effort that was created by some impressive offloading. Saal’s two tries ensured Maties led, 20-9, at the break.

Tuks started the second half with some intent, carrying the ball strongly to be justly rewarded for their efforts when hooker, Corniel Els, bashed over in the corner in just the 42^nd minute. Joshua Stander converted the try to make it a four-point ball game with virtually a whole half to play.

Maties refused to be rattled by the visitors, who continued to dominate possession in the second half. Tuks seized the opportunity to showcase their defence, holding firm against several attacks.

However, Saal completed his hat-trick just nine minutes from time, when he collected a perfectly-weighted crosskick to run in under the post for a seven-pointer. The final score would be enough for Maties to hang on to their lead – completing their third straight win in the process.

In contrast, Tuks remained winless after three rounds, keeping them rooted at the bottom of the table.