Despatch’s De Wet Stadium proved to be a welcoming home away from home for Progress when they thumped Park 38-6 in a Score Energy Drink EPRU Grand Challenge Top 12 club rugby clash on Saturday.
Forced to vacate their Central Field fortress in Kariega because of ongoing construction work, Progress quickly adapted to their temporary new surroundings after an enforced three-week layoff.
The writing was on the wall for a resurgent Park side when on-fire Progress stormed into a commanding 21-6 halftime lead.
It has been a frustrating time for Progress, who were last in action on May 17 when they beat Star of Hope 26-13 at the Central Field.
After having their match against Harlequins called off because of building work, their next game against the NMU Madibaz was postponed because the students were writing midyear exams.
Despite the layoff, there was no rustiness in the Progress ranks as they dented any hope Park had of claiming another notable scalp.
The Eastern Cape Super 14 champions are next in action against Trying Stars in Alexandria on Saturday.
Another team in winning form were Multisure Gardens, who extended their unbeaten run to 11 matches in all competitions when they narrowly beat Joubertina United 23-20 on the road.
It was a nervy win for Gardens, who had to stage a fightback after they trailed 17-15 at halftime.
With several teams jostling for top spot, Gardens remained at the summit thanks to their winning spree.
At the Ebrahim Patel Community Cup Easter tournament in George, Gardens beat top teams Groot Brak, Bridgton and Robertson on their way to lifting the coveted trophy.
Gardens will be back on home turf when they host Star of Hope at the Derrick Ferreira Stadium in Kariega in round 10.
Champions Kruisfontein United got back on the winning track when they thrashed Despatch Oostelikes 51-14 at the Sports Complex in Humansdorp.
Last week’s heavy defeat against Park stung the champions, and Kruisfontein responded with a vital win in front of their home supporters.
Oostelikes have yet to win a match, and unless they stage a second-round revival, the Despatch club look set to be relegated to the lower league Middle 12 division.
Kruisfontein named flyhalf Aldrin Pieterse man of the match after he showed leadership under pressure while guiding his side to victory.
Harlequins moved up to the second spot on the standings when they edged Trying Stars 29-23 at the Adcock Stadium.
Saturday’s victory followed a 59-5 bonus point win over Joubertina United at the same venue last week.
Trying Stars arrived at the Adcock with their tails up after beating Star of Hope 20-8 in Alexandria in the previous round.
After a hectic schedule of matches, Harlequins will be able to recharge their batteries when they have a bye on Saturday.
Star of Hope made the most of the home ground advantage at the Jabavu Stadium in KwaNobuhle when they edged United Barbarians 15-10.
Results, Top 12: Kruisfontein United 51 Despatch Oostelikes 14, Star of Hope 15 United Barbarians 10, Joubertina United 20 Gardens 23, Progress 36 Park 6, Harlequins 29 Trying Stars 23. Brumbies had a bye.
Saturday’s fixtures, Top 12: Trying Stars vs Progress, Park vs Joubertina United, Gardens vs Star of Hope, United Barbarians vs Kruisfontein United, Despatch Oostelikes vs Brumbies. Harlequins have a bye.
The Herald
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