The EP Elephants put up a valiant fight but ultimately fell 47-35 to the Cheetahs in a high-scoring Round 4 SA Cup encounter at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday.
Despite leading 22-21 at halftime, the Elephants couldn’t hold off a late surge from the Cheetahs, but did secure a bonus point for scoring four tries in a match that showcased their attacking flair.
The first half was a tightly contested affair, with the Elephants showing their intent early on. They crossed the try line three times before the break through winger Rodney Damons, centre Troy Delport, and scrumhalf Shirwin Cupido, with flyhalf Chris Humphries adding two conversions and a penalty to give the home side a narrow 22-21 lead at halftime.
After the interval, the Cheetahs ramped up their intensity, capitalizing on their opportunities to pull ahead. The Elephants fought back with a fourth try from fullback Jaden Bantom, converted by Humphries, which secured the bonus point and kept them in the contest at 35-40 with 10 minutes remaining. However, the Cheetahs’ experience shone through as they scored a late try and conversion to seal the 47-35 victory.
Coach Allister Coetzee reflected on the match with a mix of disappointment and pride. “Disappointing to lose again—we don’t want that to become a habit,” he said. “But I can’t fault the team when they put up a performance like they did here. Great effort and physicality. The bit of experience that a Currie Cup side like the Cheetahs have is the difference and it’s great to see this EP team take them to the wire, we were in this fight until the end. The players did the jersey proud. You can’t coach that. And again, getting a bonus point speaks to the effort. The progress the team is making is really pleasing ”
The Elephants’ attacking game was a highlight, with Damons, Delport, Cupido, and Bantom all crossing the try line. The bonus point keeps the Elephants in the hunt in the SA Cup standings, and their ability to compete with a top side like the Cheetahs bodes well for their development.
Eastern Province 35 (22), Toyota Cheetahs 47 (21)
EP – Tries: CJ Velleman, Shirwin Cupido, Troy Delport, Jayden Bantom. Conversions: Christian Humphries (3). Penalty goals: Humphries (3).
Cheetahs – Tries: Ali Mgijima (2), Michael Annies (2), Vernon Paulo, Litha Nkula, Sisonke Vumazonke. Conversions: Clayton Blommetjies (6).
