MyPE

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Champs too good for Kings

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Defending champions GWK Griquas got the defence of their title off to 27-19 victory (halftime 10-12) over the EP Kings in Vodacom Cup South Section rugby clash at NMB stadium in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.

In a match of two halves, EP dominated the first to enjoy the narrow lead at the break while Griquas turned on the pressure in the second to secure a well-deserved win in their opening fixture of this year’s campaign.

Griquas started the match at a furious pace, their backs running impressively and with purpose. The Kings defence held firm in the initial stages but a crack appeared in their structure to allow Griquas No 8 Carel Greeff in the for the opening try in the 15th minute. Fullback Gouws Prinsloo added the two points.

It took only three minutes for the Kings to back and it came through a superb 40m solo run by flank Thembelani Bholi after David Bulbring had won clean ball in a lineout. Flyhalf Gary van Aswegen slotted the conversion.

At this stage EP were displaying superiority in the scrums. With Griquas on the back foot, Kings scrumhalf Kevin Luiters pounced on a loose ball with the boot, followed the kick up to collect and score another individualistic try in the 25th minute.

Griquas made a change to their front row taking off loosehead prop Wiseman Kamanga and replacing him with Steph Roberts which seemed to stabilise their scrum.

The first half scoring was completed by Gouws who landed a 40th-minute penalty.

He then put the visitors back in the lead after the break with another three-pointer.

Griquas came out even more determined in the second half and their urgency paid off with tries from replacements Steph Roberts and Abrie Griesel in the 62nd and 64th minutes. Prinsloo succeeded with both conversions as his side took a 27-12 lead with 15 minutes to play.

The Kings fought back tenaciously and a sustained period of pressure which saw yellow cards handed to Griquas flanks RJ Liebenberg and Wendel Wehr and eventually resulted in replacement scrumhalf Jaco Grobler forcing his way over the tryline. Scott van Breda kicked the conversion to make the final score 27-19.

Scorers:

  • EP Kings – Tries: Thembalani Bholi, Kevin Luiters, Jaco Grobler; Conversions: Gary van Aswegen, Scott van Breda.
  • GWK Griquas – Tries: Carel Greeff, Steph Roberts, Abrie Griesel; Conversions: Gouws Prinsloo (3); Penalties: Gouws Prinsloo (2).

Click here for all the weekends results.

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.