UP-Tuks, the University of Pretoria, had cause for double celebration after winning both the Rhinos and Protea Cups for first and second division sides.
The South African Rugby League season for 2011-2012 came to a close with some memorable clashes on Finals Day.
Tuks Groenkloof Campus, known as the teacher’s campus, hosted the matches on a superb surface among hot and humid conditions, the rains holding off.
In the headline Rhino Cup, UP-Tuks beat the Northern Bulls 40-26, skipper Deon Kraëmer opening the scoring and Pieter Van der Nest adding a second to make it 10-0 in as many minutes.
Bears leveled by the 22nd minute thanks to their best on the day Andre Loader but Tuks scrum half Hans du Plessis outlined his talent with a brilliant sidestepping solo effort.
Tuks prop Manie Loots set up Siviwe Mpondo to make it 22-10, Bulls pulling a try back just before the break.
It was 22-20 two minutes into the second half, Tuks veteran and man of the match Jonathan Soares then taking centre stage with a magnificent 12 minute hat trick to secure victory.
In the Rhinos Plate, Vaal Mambas beat the Ermelo Thomahawks 44-22.
In the Protea Series, Tuks-UK Seconds came back from a 30-10 deficit to shock the Kungwini Scorpions, Shaun Bouwer leading a fight back that included a hat trick for Carl Labuschagne in the Cup Final.
The Protea Plate was claimed by Witbank Hurricanes who defeated the Silverbacks 22-20.