The Eastern Province Kings remain unbeaten even though their performance against the Border Bulldogs was arguably their worst.
The EP Kings continued their unbeaten streak in the Absa Currie Cup First Division with a 51-36 victory over local rivals Border Bulldogs, in Port Elizabeth on September 2.
The Eastern Province Kings remain unbeaten even though their performance against the Border Bulldogs was arguably their worst.
The EP Kings continued their unbeaten streak in the Absa Currie Cup First Division with a 51-36 victory over local rivals Border Bulldogs, in Port Elizabeth on September 2.
The scoreboard was not a true reflection of the game though, as the EP Kings only lead by two points heading into the last quarter. That said, as poor handling and constant turnovers dominated their play – that performance was not their best. Cold and windy conditions did not make it any more pleasant for the Kings team, whose several missed tackles allowed Border to take an early lead.
However, the Kings clawed their way back through another inspirational performance by skipper Luke Watson. The Kings eighth man crossed the try line along with Marcello Sampson and Louis Strydom to take a 26-12 half time lead.
Having scored two tries in the first half, Watson extended his side’s lead in the second half by setting up scrumhalf Danie Faasen for an early try. Border then began to fight back, feeding off mistakes made by the Kings. Centre, Chumani Booi and eighth man, Lubabalo Mzwakali dotted down for the visitors to leave a tense finish.
Border’s poor discipline allowed the Kings to pull away in the end as replacement George Whitehead landed two penalties and then try scoring machine Norman Nelson touched down to seal the game. Despite a late consolation try by Mzwakali, it was Kings prop Jaco Engels who stole the show. The massive loosehead ran in a superb 45 metre try that saw a nifty turn of speed from the big man.
The Kings remain on top of the log with their seventh consecutive win in the tournament. They will nonetheless be dissatisfied with their performance against a weak Border team. It is important that the Kings stick to the basics and maintain their discipline, as a performance such as this could see a different result against stronger teams like Boland. However, it is the sign of a good team when your worst performance of the season sees you notching up 50 points.
Scorers:
EP Kings – Tries: Luke Watson (2), Marcello Sampson, Louis Strydom, Danie Faasen, Norman Nelson, Jaco Engels; Conversions: Strydom (3), George Whitehead (2) Penalties: Whitehead (2).
Border Bulldogs – Tries: Vuyo Mboto (2), Lubabalo Mzwakali (2), Chumani Booi; Conversions: Dale Sabbagh (3), Ntabeni Dukisa; Penalty: Sabbagh.
