The Bulls levelled the score two minutes later as they kicked a penalty of their own, before taking the lead through an unconverted try in the thirteenth minute, 8 – 3.

Eastern Province’s right wing Athi Mayinje scored their first try in the seventeenth minute, Brink regained the lead after a successful conversion, 10 – 8.

The Bulls replied with a converted try as they took a 15 – 10 lead at the break.

The home side hit back strong in the second half as they scored forteen unanswered points, including three penalties from Brink.

Brink kicked two penalties as he gave his team a one point lead, 16 – 15, in the fifty fifth minute.

Eighthman Junior Pokomela extended their lead as he scored his team’s second try, Brink missed the conversion as EP took a 21 – 15 lead.

Brink added a final penalty as they recorded a well deserved 24 – 15 win.

The win extended their lead at the top of Group A to seventeen points, five points ahead of the second placed Lions.

Scorers:

Eastern Province 24 (10) – Tries: Athi Mayinje, Junior Pokomela. Conversion: Michael Brink (1). Penalties: Brink (4).

Vodacom Blue Bulls 15 (15) – Tries: Sam Mitchell, Divan Rossouw. Conversion: Tinus de Beer. Penalty: De Beer.