Gardens kept EP's rugby flag flying high on the national stage when they beat the crack Boland outfit Robertson Town 29-27 in a thrilling final at the Ebrahim Patel Community Cup Easter tournament on Monday.
Playing with fire and gritty determination, the Kariega team fought back magnificently after they trailed 14-12 at halftime in a nail-biting clash at the Outeniqua Park Stadium in George.
The outcome was in the balance until the final minute and kept the big crowd on the edge of their seats in what proved enthralling climax to the tournament.
“This win really means a lot to our players, our community in Kariega, and the whole of Eastern Cape,” Gardens coach Julian Daniels said.
“The final was a real nail-biter and it went right down to the wire.
“Gardens never gave up and we always believed we would win.”
While there was joy for Gardens' travelling supporters in George, there was little for Kruisfontein United fans to shout about at the Saldanha Super 8 Easter tournament.
The EPRU champions lost all three matches they played and struggled to get going at a tournament featuring some of SA's best club teams.
Gardens stormed into the Ebrahim Patel Community Cup final thanks to wins over Groot Brak and Bridgton on the opening two days of the tournament.
Gardens centre Donlic Natal was a key player for the Kariega side and earned three consecutive Man of the Match awards after a scintillating display against Groot Brak, Bridgton and Robertson.
During the win over Bridgton, Natal scored two tries to put his team on the road to victory.
The other try scorers were Darlington Gans, Thulani Njenji and Duwayne Nel.
The bustling centre scored another two tries in the final and was deservedly named as player of the tournament.
There were also two tries for Ethan Vaaltyn and one for Marvin Kampher during a tense final.
At one stage an all Eastern Cape final between Gardens and Harlequins was on the cards before Harlequins were beaten by Robertson Town in their second match.
In their opening game on Thursday, Harlequins beat Heidelberg 22-14 to get their campaign off to a cracking start.
Kruisfontein were beaten 37-28 by Blanco United in their first game before slumping to a 40-34 loss against Evergeens in their second outing.
In a playoff for eighth and seventh place on Monday, Kruisfontein were beaten 61-45 by Saldanha Rugby club to end a disappointing weekend.
Kruisfontein arrived in Saldanha in high spirits and keen to grab a share of the R150,000 prize money after winning their opening Grand Challenge matches against Star of Hope and Progress.
Robertson Town and Gardens stole the show on day two in George when they booked their places in the final.
Gardens had to work hard to overcome a tough Bridgton outfit 39-35 after the Eastern Cape club made a quick start and at one stage led 20-6.
The lead would change hands early in the second half, before Gardens regained their momentum, with centre Natal once again impressing.
Robertson Town supporters showed why they are considered the most passionate in club rugby with their cheers giving extra energy to the players when they beat Boland Top 12 champions beat Harlequins 54-20.
Man of the match Marco Jones led the charge with barnstorming carries and a refusal to die with the ball in contact.
The Quins' defenders had no answer for the back row forward’s physicality, and only a late fightback from the Gqeberha team saved them from a bigger loss on the day.
Results of EP teams at Easter tournaments:
Patel tournament:
Thursday: Harlequins 22 Heidelberg 14, Gardens 31 Groot Brak 17.
Saturday: Harlequins 20 Robertson 54, Gardens 39 Bridgton 35.
Monday: Plate Final: Harlequins 15 Bridgton 25. Grand Final: Gardens 29 Robertson Town 27.
Saldanha tournament:
Thursday: Kruisfontein 28 Blanco United 37.
Saturday: Evergreens 40 Kruisfontein 34.
Monday: (playoff for eighth and seventh place): Kruisfontein 45 Saldanha 61.
The Herald
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