On Friday evening, 19 July 2013, rugby fans were treated to a nail biter as the EP Kings score a late try to deny the SWD Eagles back-to-back victories.
The clash in George was nail-biting as the Kings staged a dramatic comeback to counter strong starts to both halves by the Eagles for a 35-34 victory. The Eagles came out firing and played effective rugby by retaining possession for long periods, which they supported with fantastic interplay between the forwards and backs. Such was their efficient attack wing Alshaun Bock crossed the tryline four minutes into the match for the first of his three tries, and centre Jeff Taljard and flank Shaun Raubenheimer followed to hand the team a convincing lead. But two fantastic tries by the visitors before the break to add to flyhalf Dukisa Ntabeni’s two penalties allowed the Port Elizabeth team to reduce their lead to 19-16 at the break.
The Eagles again came out with bang in the second half and took control of the match with Bock leading the charge to complete his second hat-trick of tries in as many weeks. But mistakes at crucial times and bad decisions in the Kings’ half cost them dearly. The visitors, on the other hand, did well to round off their try-scoring chances and matched the Eagles’ five tries. The Kings’ rolling mauls were especially effective as was their counter-rucking, which created their winning try in the dying minutes.
With just two minutes left, the Eagles were pressing for their sixth try when the Kings counter rucked the Eagles off the ball just inches from their own tryline.
The ball was thrown to Eben Barnard, who broke through a tackle and raced down the centre of the field, and then offloaded to Van Niekerk to go over under the posts. Kayle van Zyl slotted the conversion to edge the Kings in front for the first time in the match.
The Kings continue their good away form and remain undefeated away from home in two matches, while they have yet to register a win at home this season.
SWD Eagles 34 – 35 EP Kings
Scorers:
- EAGLES – Tries: Alshaun Bock (3), Jeff Taljard, Shaun Raubenheimer; Conversions: Taljard (3); Penalty: Justin van Staden
- KINGS – Try: Mpho Mbiyozo (2), Aidon Davies, Siviwe Soyizwapi, Marlou van Niekerk; Conversion: Van Niekerk, Kayle van Zyl; Penalties: Dukisa Ntabeni (2)
Other Absa Currie Cup First Division results:
- Border Bulldogs 22 – 20 Down Touch Griffons
- Leopards 27 – 32 Steval Pumas
- Regent Boland Cavaliers 20 – 7 Valke
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