A rampant Progress side kept their hopes of landing a third EC Super 14 club rugby title alive when they battered Joubertina United 43-20 in Kariega on Saturday.
After winning the biggest prize in Eastern Cape club rugby in 2021 and 2022, Progress turned on the afterburners in the second half at the Central Field to emerge convincing winners.
In the other EP conference quarterfinal played at Wentzel Park in Alexandria, Trying Stars stayed on track for a historic first title when they scored a thrilling 38-33 win over KwaNobuhle outfit Star of Hope.
At halftime in Kariega the outcome of the eagerly awaited playoff was poised on a knife edge with Progress holding a narrow 17-13 lead after a hard-fought start to the encounter.
The former champions will have a clear run at securing another title after their main rivals and defending champions EL Police crashed to a shock 25-15 defeat against giant-killers Fort Beaufort United in a Border conference quarterfinal.
Progress hooker Michael “Mickey” Mageer was named man of the match after a barnstorming display against Joubertina.
In a statement the club said: “Sending warm and hearty yet well deserved congratulations to our man of the match in none other than our young gun, Michael 'Mickey' Mageer.
“Today, you showed out and out big match temperament.
“Your overall play was just immense and you were a menace on the ground and with ball in hand.
“Your overall contribution helped seal the win for the boys.”
Ahead of the game, Progress coach Shaun 'Trok' Oliver warned his opponents that if his team maintained their focus they would be a hard side to beat in their remaining games.
“We know every game from now on will be a final and we are in it to win it,” he said.
“Progress will never compete in a competition where we feel we do not have a chance to go all the way.
“So we will focus on our things and once we do that and get things right we will be a hard team to beat.”
After his team's win, Trying Stars captain Ambrose Cannon said: “We stuck to the plan which we trained for during the week.
“I just want to thank everyone in the community here in Alexandria that got behind us and we were able to push through to the semifinals and make history.”
Trying Stars coach Alan Cannon said a tough final league outing against Joubertina last week had been ideal preparation for Saturday's clash.
“Stars have already made history advancing this far in the Super 14 and securing a semifinal for the people of Alexandria,” he said.
“This is an achievement for us with all the youngsters coming through and I am excited about that.”
Super 14 quarterfinal results:
EP Conference: Progress 43 Joubertina United 20, Trying Stars 38 Star of Hope 33.
Border Conference: EL Police 15 Fort Beaufort United 25, Young Leopards 13 Old Selbornians 19.
• After being pipped 26-24 by the SWD Eagles in George last week, EP’s Elephants beat the Border Bulldogs 22-8 in Port Alfred on Saturday in their final warm-up.
EP kick off their SA Cup campaign against the Falcons in Kempton Park on Saturday.
• Following four consecutive defeats, EP’s Queens registered their first win when they beat the Golden Lions women 31-24 at the Wolfson Stadium on Saturday.
• The final round of Block Circuit club rugby friendlies, which should have been played at the Adcock Stadium on Saturday, was postponed.
Gardens had been fixtured to play against Kruisfontein United and hosts Harlequins had been scheduled to face Despatch Oostelikes.
It is not known whether the matches will be played at a later date.
The Herald
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