Gardens and Harlequins continued to set a hot pace in the EPRU Score Energy Drink Grand Challenge Top 12 club rugby competition when they emerged victorious on Saturday.
In what is developing into a two-horse race ahead of the playoffs, Gardens edged a plucky Despatch Oostelikes outfit 22-17 and Harlequins thrashed Star of Hope 40-0.
Log-leaders Gardens had to overturn a 7-5 halftime deficit at the Derrick Ferreira Stadium in Kariega before they were able to subdue the Top 12’s worst-performing team.
At the Adcock Stadium in Gqeberha, Harlequins were always in control against Star of Hope after they opened a commanding 21-0 halftime lead over the visitors from KwaNobuhle.
While table-topping Gardens have yet to be beaten in 12 outings, struggling Oostelikes are still hunting for an elusive first win despite delivering a brave performance at “Die Hok”.
Though they entered the clash as underdogs, Oostelikes fought bravely until the final whistle in a display that will give them heart ahead of their next outing against Joubertina United.
It is turning into a memorable season for Gardens, who are hunting for a 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 years and were crowned Grand Challenge champions in 2023 when they beat Kruisfontein United 28-23.
The only match Gardens have failed to win this season was a first-round tie against Harlequins when they were held to a 15-15 draw at the Adcock Stadium.
Harlequins started like a house on fire against Star of Hope thanks to early tries from Lwethu Lamani and Ethan Jantjies, which set them on their way to a commanding victory.
It was a tough day at the office for Star of Hope, who must go back to the drawing board before they travel to Makhanda to face the Brumbies.
All eyes will be on “Die Hok' on Saturday when Gardens host Harlequins in what is expected to be an epic tussle between the front-runners.
Champions Kruisfontein continued to lose ground in the race for a top-four berth when they were held to a 17-17 draw by Trying Stars in Alexandria.
After being pipped 23-22 by Harlequins in Humansdorp last week, Kruisfontein will have their backs to the wall when they travel to Gqeberha to face the NMU Madibaz on Saturday.
After a midyear break because of examinations, the Madibaz cruised to a 50-7 win over United Barbarians in Patensie.
Eastern Cape Super 14 champions Progress continued their strong start to the second round with a 33-16 win over Joubertina United.
The match marked Progress’s return to their Central Field fortress after construction work at the venue forced the Kariega side to find an alternative home venue
The win left Progress in third spot on the log and well placed to secure a semifinal berth.
One of the stars for Progress was hard-running No 8 Jonathan Daniels, who was named man of the match thanks to a dominant display which helped his team over the line.
Park earned valuable log points and remained among the top four clubs when they beat Brumbies 21-18 after a tense battle at Londt Park.
Next up for Park is a home game against Trying Stars, who will have their tails up after a strong showing against Kruisfontein.
Results:
Top 12: Gardens 22 Despatch Oostelikes 17, Park 21 Brumbies 18, Trying Stars 17 Kruisfontein United 17, Harlequins 40 Star of Hope 0, Progress 33 Joubertina 16, United Barbarians 7 NMU Madibaz 50.
Saturday’s fixtures:
Top 12: Brumbies vs Star of Hope, United Barbarians vs Progress, Despatch Oostelikes vs Joubertina United, Gardens vs Harlequins, Park vs Trying Stars, NMU Madibaz vs Kruisfontein United.
The Herald
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.