Eastern Province were on the winning side in the penultimate SA Cup league round this weekend, with six teams still in with a shout of making the playoffs.
Eastern Province survived a spirited second-half fightback from the Griffons to claim a 31–28 victory at Down Touch Investments Stadium in Welkom. EP laid the foundation in a dominant first half, racing to a 24–14 halftime lead through tries by Lwandile Mapuko and Diego Williams, a penalty try, and accurate goal-kicking from Garth April.
The Griffons returned with renewed intent after the break and produced a valiant response, “winning” the second half 14–7. Tries from Chad Tshimanga and Jandre de Beer, complemented by Dehovine Johannes’ boot, dragged the hosts back into contention and set up a tense finish. However, EP’s defensive resolve proved decisive as the visitors held on to secure the narrow win.
The Griffons’ cause was dented by the two yellow cards issued to Jared Kruger and Simon Westraadt, which put them at a numerical disadvantage for 20 minutes of the game.
Griffons 28 (14), Eastern Province 31 (24)
- Griffons – Tries: Jandre de Beer (2), Daylon Myners, Chad Tshimanga. Conversions: Dehovine Johannes (3), Myners.
- EP – Tries: Lwandile Mapuko (2), Diego Williams, Penalty Try. Conversions: Garth April (3). Penalty goal: April.
