A new Carling Currie Cup First Division champion will be crowned in just under a fortnight’s time after Eastern Province host the Valke in next weekend’s playoffs after the league phase was completed over the weekend.
SWD emerged as the top side after five rounds of league action on 22 points despite losing their last home fixture by 52-45 to EP, who finished second on the log on 20 points, meaning these two teams earned semi-final hosting rights.
The top-of-the-table clash at Outeniqua Park was a thriller as EP edged the Eagles 52-45 in a match that delivered 12 tries and a penalty try. The hosts led 31-27 at the break.
EP started strongly through Maxwell Klaasen’s penalty goal before Richman Gora, Christiaan Potgieter and Damon Royle crossed. SWD hit back through a brace by Andre Warner, while Masande Mtshali and Janus Venter also scored. They were also awarded a penalty try.
With both teams adding more tries to their tally, the game went down to the wire in the final 10 minutes. Rune Lucas and Niel Beukes scored converted tries for SWD alive, while Liyema Matyolweni crossed for the visitors, with Klaasen adding the conversion and a penalty goal.
With scores tied at the end, Mpho Ntsane scored his second try in injury time – also converted by Klaasen, whose boot was the difference on the day – to deny SWD a perfect ending to the league phase of the competition.
Both No 8s, SWD’s Hendrik Stemmet and EP’s Willem van der Walt, received yellow cards, while EP flanker Laken Gray was shown a 20-minute red card.
The dates, kick-off times and venues of the Carling Currie Cup First Division semi-finals will be confirmed in due course.
Scorers:
Dotsure SWD Eagles 45 (31), Eastern Province 52 (27)
SWD – Tries: Andre Warner (2), Masande Mtshali, Janus Venter, Rune Lucas, Niel Beukes, penalty try. Conversions: Divan du Toit (4).
EP – Tries: Richman Gora, Christiaan Potgieter, Damon Royle, Mpho Ntsane (2), Liyema Matyolweni. Conversions: Maxwell Klaasen (5). Penalty goals: Klaasen (4).
