Thrilling action expected in two play-off matches
Absa Currie Cup First Division Semi-finals
The Leopards, who completed their ten-match Absa Currie Cup First Division round-robin phase unbeaten and as the top team, will be seeking to avenge their Semi-final defeat of last year against the Hino Valke when the teams meet at 16h00 on Friday in one of two semi-finals.
Defending champions, the Down Touch Griffons, will meet the SWD Eagles in the second Semi-final on Saturday, 3 October, at the HT Pelatona Projects Stadium in Welkom. The two winners will meet in the final which is scheduled for next Thursday, 8 October.
Both play-off matches are repeats of last season’s Semi-finals. The Griffons edged the SWD Eagles by two points in a 45-43 thriller in Welkom last year, while the Leopards lost 31-24 to the Valke in Potchefstroom. The Griffons clinched the SA Cup trophy and the First Division title thanks to a nail-biting 23-21 win on 17 October 2014 in Welkom.
This season the Leopards swept all aside before them in their march to the top of the standings, amassing the maximum 50 league points along the way and scoring 431 points, inclusive of 62 tries.
However, they will be wary of the Valke, their conquerors in last year in Potchefstroom. Just last Friday the Valke made the Leopards fight for a victory before the log leaders eventually ran out 36-29 winners in a tense affair.
The Griffons lost their last league encounter 27-21 against the SWD Eagles last weekend in George and the 2014 winners will be determined to turn the tables when the two sides meet this coming Saturday, this time in Welkom.
The Eagles, coached by former Springbok Bevin Fortuin, have display good form of late and they surged up to third place on the final log thanks to some impressive victories. The Griffons, however, probably have a slight edge due to their home ground advantage, but they can brace themselves for a tough outing.
Absa Currie Cup First Division Semi-final fixtures:
Friday, 2 October
Leopards vs Hino Valke
Venue: Profert Olën Park, Potchefstroom
Kick-off: 16h00
Referee: Cwengile Jadezweni
Saturday, 3 October
Down Touch Griffons vs SWD Eagles
Venue: HT Pelatona Projects Stadium, Welkom
Kick-off: 15h00
Referee: Ben Crouse
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