Rampant Multisure Gardens are living up to their hard-earned reputation of being Kariega's all-conquering green machine in the Score Energy Drink EPRU Grand Challenge Top 12 club rugby competition.
They have yet to taste defeat after eight matches and are gunning for a memorable double of Grand Challenge and Ebrahim Patel Community Cup titles.
Gardens have been one of the most consistent teams in EP club rugby in recent times and were crowned Grand Challenge champions in 2023 when they beat Kruisfontein United 28-23 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
They reached the final again in 2024, but this time Kruisfontein gained revenge with a narrow 24-18 win at the Adcock Stadium.
At the Patel tournament in George over the Easter weekend, Gardens rose to prominence on the national stage when they beat top teams Groot Brak, Bridgton and Robertson on their way to lifting the coveted trophy.
The only match Gardens have failed to win this season was a second-round tie against Harlequins when they were held to a 15-15 draw at the Adcock Stadium.
They were established in 1932, and the name Gardens was chosen because it would describe the character of Kariega, which is known as the garden town.
The club colours of green, white and red resemble a flower, and the oak leaf embroidered on the Gardens emblem is dedicated to the oaks that line the streets of the town.
On Saturday, Gardens will be defending their proud unbeaten record when they face KwaNobuhle outfit Star of Hope at the Derrick Ferreira Stadium.
Last week Gardens had to endure a few anxious moments before they were able to pull off a narrow 23-20 win over Joubertina United.
Star of Hope had their confidence boosted ahead of the Gardens showdown when they downed United Barbarians 15-10 at the Jabavu Stadium last week.
With momentum on their side, few would bet against Gardens extending their unbeaten record in front of their passionate home fans in Rosedale.
Progress will be keen to keep pressure on the log leaders when they travel to Alexandria to face a Trying Stars outfit who are always difficult to beat on home turf.
The teams will go into battle after experiencing contrasting fortunes in round nine.
While Progress were powering their way to a runaway 38-6 win over Park at the De Wet Stadium, Trying Stars were beaten 29-23 by Harlequins at the Adcock Stadium.
Park will be keen to get back on the winning track and keep their playoff hopes alive when they host Joubertina United at Londt Park.
Champions Kruisfontein, who thrashed Despatch Oostelikes 51-14 at the Sports Complex in Humansdorp in their last outing, face United Barbarians in Patensie.
Struggling Despatch Oostelikes are hunting for their first win of the season when they host Brumbies at the Daleview Sports Field.
After a hectic schedule of matches, Harlequins will be able to recharge their batteries when they have a bye.
Harlequins moved up to the second spot on the log when they edged Trying Stars at the Adcock Stadium last week.
Saturday's fixtures:
Top 12: Trying Stars v Progress, Park v Joubertina United, Gardens v Star of Hope, United Barbarians v Kruisfontein United, Despatch Oostelikes v Brumbies. Harlequins have a bye.
Middle 12: African Bombers v Evergreens, Police/Crusaders v Missionvale, Despatch v Jeffreys Bay, Motherwell v Spring Rose, Kirkwood v Central, Kwaru v Hankey Villagers.
Bottom 12: Born Fighters v Middelburg Eagles, Helenvale v Windvogel, Lily White v Kareedouw Tigers, Easterns v St Marks, Orlando Eagles v Aberdeen, Adelaide Rangers v Suburban.
The Herald
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