Progress can continue snapping at the heels of log-leaders Kruisfontein United if they stretch their unbeaten run to seven matches when they face Park on Saturday.
Though Progress are playing away from home at Londt Park, the well-oiled Kariega machine will fancy their chances of earning maximum points against their hosts in a Score Energy Drink EPRU Top 12 clash.
Rampant Kruisfontein top the log with 58 points from 13 games, and Progress have 55 points to their name after 14 outings.
While Progress have been revelling in the success achieved during a winning spree, Park are low on confidence after losing their past four matches.
With their hopes of a playoff berth fading, a proud Park side can be expected to throw everything at Progress in a last-ditch bid to get their season back on track.
Park have slipped to eighth place on the standings and have 32 points from 14 matches.
Several of Park’s defeats have been by narrow margins, and this is a positive they will take into what will be a testing showdown for the home side.
When the teams met in the first round, Progress emerged clear 40-18 winners at the Central Field and the Kariega outfit will be confident they have enough firepower to make it double over their rivals.
In-form Progress have won 11 of their opening 14 matches and are returning to their best form ahead of the playoffs.
Last week, Progress thrashed Despatch Oostelikes 42-3 at the Central Field and Park were pipped 21-15 by Harlequins at the Adcock Stadium.
Another key clash sees the NMU Madibaz hosting Harlequins at the campus in a game expected to produce entertaining, running rugby.
With their confidence growing, Harlequins should have momentum on their side at the campus.
After a slow start because of their involvement in the Varsity Shield, the Madibaz continued their revival with a convincing 44-17 win over Trying Stars in Alexandria last week.
After their game against Hankey Villagers ended prematurely last week, Kruisfointein will be looking to cement their position at the top of the log with a win over Joubertina in Humansdorp.
There was drama in Hankey when home team Villagers staged a walk-off after one of their players was red-carded last week.
Villagers were protesting against a referee who they claimed was not in control of their much-awaited regional derby.
Citing player safety concerns, bottom-of-the-log Villagers took the drastic step in the first half after Kruisfontein opened a 17-3 lead after 20 minutes.
After hammering Villagers 40-10 in the opening round, Kruisfontein were once again dominant before the unexpected ending.
Champions Gardens will be hunting for a fifth consecutive win when they face Brumbies at the Derrick Ferreira Stadium in Kariega.
They made it four wins on the trot when they beat Central 30-22 in Graaff-Reinet to remain in third place on the log.
Gardens, under new coach Julian Daniels, are third on the log with a tidy haul of 49 points from 15 matches.
After their heavy defeat against Progress, struggling Despatch Oostelikes will be hoping home-ground advantage at the Daleview Sports Field in Despatch gives them an edge when they face Central.
Oostelikes are second from bottom on the log with a measly haul of 23 points from 14 matches.
Saturday’s fixtures (3.30pm)
Top 12: Despatch Oostelikes v Central, Park v Progress, NMU Madibaz v Harlequins, Hankey Villagers v Trying Stars, Kruisfontein United v Joubertina, Gardens v Brumbies.
Middle 12: Born Fighters v Despatch, Evergreens v Kirkwood, United Barbarians v Kwaru, Star of Hope v Suburban, Jeffreys Bay v Missionvale, Motherwell v Spring Rose.
Bottom 12: St Marks (Alicedale) v Police/Crusaders, Adelaide Rangers v Excelsior, Lily White v Easterns, Orlando Eagles v African Bombers, Windvogel v Kareedouw tigers, Aberdeen v St Marks (Gqeberha).
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