EP OUTLAST SWD AT CRAVEN WEEK
EASTERN Province outlasted South Western Districts to produce a thrilling finish to the second day of the Coca-Cola Craven Week tournament in Stellenbosch on Tuesday (July 14), finally winning 41-31.
After EP led 15-3 at halftime, the two teams produced an entertaining second half of thrust and counter-thrust as they posted a total of 54 points in the half. Each time SWD, whose talented outside backs impressed with their attacking play, crossed the line, EP would reply with a score of their own to maintain their advantage.
In the end, the boot of ace EP flyhalf Curwin Bosch proved the difference as he slotted three drop goals, three conversions and two penalties for a personal tally of 21 points. EP scored tries in the first half through fullback Ruan van Rensburg and No 8 Khwezi Mafu, while wings Mohamed Connelly and Lubs Dubelo displayed fine finishing to cross in the second half.
For South Western Districts, centre Immanuel Libbock crossed for two tries and other tries came from No 8 Luvuyo Ndevu and Christo Hamman. Twice in the second half they drew close to EP’s score (22-17) and (35-31), but each time Bosch’s boot restored the breathing space for EP and their defensive systems were good enough to keep SWD at bay in the closing stages.
The EP Country Districts put up a brave fight in their match against the Valke before going down 43-27.
Tuesday’s scores were: EP 41 SWD 31, KZN 18 Golden Lions 16, Leopards 17 Griquas 28, Valke 43 EPCD 27, Griquas CD 17 Zimbabwe 12
Wednesday’s fixtures: Limpopo Blue Bulls v Border CD, Free State v Namibia, Blue Bulls v Pumas, Boland v Border, Western Province v Griffons
Photo: William Brown / Rugby 15
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