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THE Eastern Province Mighty Elephants survived a second-half fightback to secure a narrow 34-32 (half-time 26-17) win over the Border Bulldogs in their Vodacom Cup match at Queen’s College in Queenstown on Saturday.
EP led for the majority of the match, only to fall behind late in the second half when Border centre Chumani Booi nailed his second penalty of the game to put his side into a 32-29 lead after 70 minutes.
Unfortunately for the brave visitors, their lead was to be short-lived when, four minutes later, replacement scrumhalf Marlon Lewis scampered over the tryline to restore the home side’s lead.
With the hooter having already sounded, Booi had the chance to steal the win for his team but his penalty attempt from EP’s 22-metre line drifted wide.
Border had started the match in fine style when fullback Thembani Mkokeli crossed for a five-pointer before the Mighty Elephants burst into life.
Loosehead prop Phumlani Nodikida rumbled over for a try in the 19th minute before a double strike from left wing Howard Noble saw EP ease to a 26-10 lead.
Border refused to lie down and in the dying seconds of the half they finally responded when flyhalf Andisa Gqobo crossed for a try.
The home side had dominated proceedings in the first half thanks to their overwhelming territorial advantage while the visitors were guilty of kicking their possession away.
Matters were reversed in the second stanza as Border found their rhythm.
Seven minutes after the restart eighthman Siyabonga Tshemese crossed for a try.
Gqobo then scored the try of the match after a move that began in Border’s 22m and saw the ball travel through four pairs of hands before Gqobo sprinted over from 30m out.
Ggobo’s effort levelled the scores at 29-29 before the dramatic last 10 minutes.
EP Mighty Elephants: Tries: Justin Peach, Phumlani Nodikida, Howard Noble (2), Marlon Lewis; Conversions: Peach (3); Penalty: Peach.
Border Bulldogs: Thembani Mkokeli, Andisa Gqobo (2), Siyabonga Tshemese; Conversions: Chumani Booi (3); Penalties: Booi (2). – Sapa
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