UP-Tuks came from behind to beat the University of Johannesburg 26-24 in Pretoria, while there were wins for Maties and NWU in round three of the Varsity Cup.

In a thrilling encounter in Pretoria on Monday evening, the home side looked set for their first loss of the season but produced a thrilling comeback to steal a win with a last-gasp try.

It was fullback Lionel April, in his first year out of school, who scored the winner after the hooter to level the scores at 24-24, with flyhalf Theo Boshoff once again demonstrating his remarkable composure to slot the conversion for the victory.

Up until late in the second half, UJ had dominated proceedings and had taken a 24-7 lead thanks to two point-of-origin tries in the opening stages of the clash.

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Meanwhile, defending champions Maties continued their brilliant start to the season as they thumped a well-coached CUT side 67-24 in Stellenbosch.

Fullback Anton du Toit, younger brother of Stormers flank Pieter-Steph, scored four tries in the match, including one point-of-origin try.

The title holders are looking in ominous form ahead of their Cape derby against UWC in the next round.

In the other result on Monday, NWU got off the mark after losing their two opening fixtures by beating Simlas 27-19 in Potchefstroom.

Photo: Christiaan Kotze