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Kings Draw

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The Isuzu Southern Kings and Toyota Cheetahs were left counting the cost of vital errors in their Guinness PRO14 home matches this weekend, as a late penalty goal allowed the Dragons to force an 18-18 draw against the Isuzu Southern Kings, while the Toyota Cheetahs went down 31-14 against Ospreys.

A late penalty against the Isuzu Southern Kings saw them settle for an 18-18 draw against the Dragons in a tight battle at the Madibaz Stadium in Port Elizabeth on Sunday, after the hosts led 13-8 at halftime. Fortunately for coach Deon Davids’ charges, the result was sufficient to keep them above the Dragons on the log standings in Conference B.

The Dragons drew first blood with Adam Warren rounding off some enterprising play from a chip kick, which Josh Lewis backed up with a penalty goal in the 11th minute for an 8-0 lead. The Isuzu Southern Kings struck back strongly with two tries in two minutes by Stefan Ungerer – who dived over a ruck short of the tryline – and Bjorn Basson – who gathered a well-timed grubber kick – with a subsequent penalty goal by Bader Pretorius pushing them 13-8 ahead.
Deon Davids’ men continued to test the Dragons as the half progressed, but mistakes at crucial times denied them from taking advantage of two more solid plays before the break.

The Isuzu Southern Kings extended their lead to 18-8 in the third quarter compliments of their third try by Harlon Klaasen who dashed past a defender to touch down, but the Dragons reduced their deficit to three points minutes later as Jordan Williams scored a fantastic individual try.

There was high drama shortly after as both teams were reduced to 13 men, with front-rowers Leon Brown and Alulutho Tshakweni being yellow-carded for repeated infringements in the scrums, while Lloyd Fairbrother and Michael Makase were sent to the sin-bin shortly after for charging into a ruck dangerously and a playing an opponent in the air respectively.

The Isuzu Southern Kings managed to remain in the lead despite this, but a high tackle cost them with two minutes to go, which allowed Lewis to level the scores, leaving the teams tied at 18-18.

Scorers:

  • Isuzu Southern Kings 18 (13) – Tries: Stefan Ungerer, Bjorn Basson, Harlon Klaasen. Penalty Goal: Bader Pretorius.
  • Dragons 18 (8) – Tries: Adam Warren, Jordan Williams. Conversion: Josh Lewis. Penalty Goals: Josh Lewis (2).

Unforced errors cost the Toyota Cheetahs dearly in their Guinness PRO14 match against Ospreys at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein on Saturday, with the home side going down 31-14.

Ospreys scored twice in the first half to take a 14-0 lead and added another two tries after the break to secure a much needed bonus-point, while the Toyota Cheetahs scored two second-half tries.

The opening quarter was closely fought as the teams tried to breach the defence with no success, but back-to-back tries for the Ospreys within four minutes – compliments of Dan Evans and Olly Cracknell – gave their team the edge in what proved to be the only points of the half.

The Toyota Cheetahs showed good intent on attack in the early exchanges, but turnovers and penalties conceded broke their momentum.

The hosts, however, came out firing after play resumed as Dries Swanepoel twisted his way through the defence to crash over, and Tian Schoeman converted.

But Ospreys cancelled this out soon after as Justin Tipuric caught the defence off-guard with a quick penalty tap, which they followed up with their bonus-point try by Cory Allen and a penalty goal to stretch their lead to 31-7.

The Welshmen were dealt a blow soon after as Adam Beard received a yellow card, and the hosts took advantage of this as Reinach Venter scored their second try from a rolling maul. The successful conversion allowed Schoeman to break the 100-point mark for the season.

Neither team was able to add to their score in the closing minutes, which allowed Ospreys to walk away with the 31-14 victory.

Scorers:

  • Toyota Cheetahs 14 (0) – Tries: Dries Swanepoel, Reinach Venter. Conversions: Tian Schoeman (2).
  • Ospreys 31 (14) – Tries: Dan Evans, Olly Cracknell, Justin Tipuric, Cory Allen. Conversions: Luke Price (2), Sam Davies (2). Penalty Goals: Sam Davies.
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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.