It was a second successive draw for the title-chasing Downs following their stalemate with Stellenbosch last time out, and a missed opportunity to take top spot after league leaders Orlando Pirates were held to a 1-1 draw by rivals Kaizer Chiefs.

The result left Sundowns second on 58 points from 25 games, one behind Pirates with a game in hand.

The Natal Rich Boys moved onto 31 points in 10th place from 26 matches.

Both sides looked to start on the front foot, with Sundowns first to threaten as Khulumani Ndamane rose highest to meet Marcelo Allende’s cross, powering a header on target that forced a close-range save from Ian Otieno.

There was an early blow for Downs as an injury to Sales forced him off, with Monnapule Saleng coming on as his replacement.

Brazilians captain Ronwen Williams was then called into action, producing an excellent reflex save to deny Thulani Gumede’s header from close range.

Gumede threatened again just before half-time as he looked to curl the ball into the top corner, but Williams was on hand to make the save.

After a slow start to the second half, Tashreeq Matthews fired a right-footed effort over the crossbar as he aimed for the top right-hand corner.

A long-range effort from Bay skipper Simphiwe Mcineka was never going to trouble Williams as the hosts looked to push forward. Minutes later, Iqraam Rayners fired at goal at the other end, but a deflection took the sting out of his effort.

Bay were struggling to retain possession, and a dangerous low cross from Allende on the left was cut out by Mcineka.

The Brazilians’ boss opted for changes in the 70th minute, introducing Thapelo Morena and Lebo Mothiba in place of Tsiki Ntsabeleng and Iqraam Rayners.

Keanu Cupido then made an important intervention to prevent Lundi Mahala from giving Richards Bay the lead in the 75th minute after the ball dropped to him following a swift counterattack.

The home side grew in confidence and caused problems for the visitors, although Mahala was flagged offside as he attempted a bicycle kick.

Teboho Mokoena and Peter Shalulile were introduced by Cardoso for Tashreeq Matthews and Marcelo Allende as Sundowns continued to press for a winner.

Sbangani Zulu did well to stop Jayden Adams from sneaking in at the near post as Sundowns stormed the penalty area with time ticking away.

Sanele Barns should have claimed all three points for his side in the 85th minute after receiving a square ball across the Sundowns box, but he first drew a save from Williams before chipping the rebound over the crossbar.

A cramping Mahala and Barns were replaced in the closing minutes for Bay, with Thabani Zuke and Ntlonelo Bomelo coming on to see out the game.

With time running out, Sundowns pumped the ball forward and nearly stole all three points in added time, with Shalulile firing inches wide of the right post after a superb touch and turn.

That proved to be the final action of the game, and the home crowd erupted at the final whistle as their team took points off Sundowns for the first time in 10 previous attempts.

Shalulile and Nku on target as Sundowns see off Royal AM at Harry Gwala