EP were totally outplayed in the second half when they crashed to a heavy 50-12 defeat against the Boland Cavaliers in a SA Rugby Under-21 Shield clash on Saturday, coach Shaun “Trok” Oliver said.
The Elephants were still in the fight when they trailed 14-7 at halftime, but they were blown away by a ferocious second half onslaught from the Bolanders at Pella Park in Porterville.
It was another dominant display by the Bolanders, who head the log with 17 points after four outings.
EP's struggling Elephants have suffered three consecutive defeats and this has left them bottom of the four-team log with eight points.
Next up for the Elephants is a make-or-break game against provincial rivals the Border Bulldogs at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane on Friday
“It was a game of two halves against Boland in Porterville,” Oliver said.
“In the first half EP were very competitive and Boland held a narrow lead.
'Unfortunately, EP are conceding too many easy tries.
“In the second half the game ran away from us and we were totally outplayed by the home team.
“Our boys let themselves down by not taking their opportunities and allowing Boland soft tries.
EP's tries were scored by lock MJ Strydom and fullback Lyle Meintjies and flyhalf Adriano Martin booted a conversion.
The Elephants will be playing for pride on Friday when they face a resurgent Border side who are gunning for a berth in the playoffs.
The Bulldogs delivered an impressive display when they trounced the SWD Eagles 50-24 in George at the weekend.
After launching their campaign with a 32-13 win over the SWD Eagles in George, EP were given a reality check when they slumped to a heavy 63-36 defeat against the Boland Cavaliers in round two.
That was followed by a narrow 35-31 defeat against the Border Bulldogs at the Madibaz Stadium in Gqeberha.
The Herald
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