UFH's second-half show floors UWC for Varsity Cup Women's title
REPORT: UFH Baby Blues produced a stunning second-half comeback to edge UWC 24-21 in a thrilling 2026 FNB Varsity Cup Women’s Final on Friday in Bellville.
The visitors overturned a 14-point halftime deficit, scoring three tries through Litha Tofu, Lilitha Ngwenze, and Siphokuhle Vakele after UWC were reduced to 14 players.
The match began with high intensity, as both sides looked to assert early dominance. After sustained pressure, it was the Caracals who struck first, crossing over for the opening try.
The Baby Blues responded with intent just minutes later, as Mila Wawa powered over for a crucial try, successfully converted to give the visitors a narrow lead.
UWC, however, regained control in the latter stages of the first half, with Jada Davids crossing the line and the successful conversion pushing the hosts ahead.
Momentum firmly shifted when captain Amber Beukes produced a brilliant try, converted and registered as a point-of-origin score, extending the lead even further at halftime.
With UWC in control, the second half required something special from UFH and they delivered.
The Baby Blues struck early after the restart through Litha Tofu, reducing the deficit. The pressure continued to mount as Lilitha Ngwenze finished off a strong attacking passage, with the successful conversion narrowing the gap to just two points.
The turning point came in the dying minutes of the game when suffered a yellow card and UFH capitalised almost immediately, with Siphokuhle Vakele crossing for the decisive try to give the Baby Blues a lead.
Despite late pressure from UWC, UFH held firm in the closing stages, showcasing resilience and composure under pressure to secure a memorable victory.
At full-time, UFH emerged as champions with a 24-21 win, completing a stunning comeback in a final defined by momentum swings and clutch moments.
The scorers:
For UWC:
Tries: Jada Davids; Amber Beukes; Ivanche Gerritsen
For UFH:
Tries: Mila Wawa; Litha Tofu; Lilitha Ngwenze; Siphokuhle
Player of the Match: Thokozani Sikela (UFH Women)
TEAMS
UWC Women: Sange Makhwezela; Jada Davids; Jessica Mare; Mivuyo Pawuli; Ivanche Gerritsen; Samukelisiwe Mjweni; Yanelisa Plaajie; Akhona Nkosi; Fatouma Yalcoue; Marli George; Asiphe Mayaba; Ronecia Gordon; Davedine March; Lee-Amber Beukes; Nandile Mvandaba.
UFH Women: Mila Wawa; Aphiwe Nqana; Eyam Ngalo; Siphelele Dlamini; Qaqamba Ndzondana; Thokozani Sikela; Simamkele Jongilanga; Rose Haka; Sinekhaya Tywaleni; Inga Qogi; Cwenga Joni; Lilitha Vakalisa; Siyolise Mbilashe; Siphokuhle Vakele; Litha Tofu.
