The EP Elephants were forced to stage a brave second half fightback to edge the Border Bulldogs 38-36 in a thrilling SA Rugby U21 Shield clash in East London on Friday.
It was a must-win match for both teams and a titanic battle unfolded at Police Park in the penultimate round of the league phase of the competition.
The win enabled EP to keep their Shield hopes alive, while the defeat was a blow to Border’s hopes of nailing down a semifinal slot.
EP were fighting for redemption after three consecutive defeats and they rose to the occasion with a gritty display to end their losing streak.
Border, who led 17-10 at halftime, face a tough match against the log-leading Boland Cavaliers in East London on Saturday.
EP appear to have the easier finish with a home game against the SWD Eagles, who are bottom of the log.
Going into the final round of fixtures Border have a three-point lead over EP after five rounds.
“The boys started very well at Police Park and they were determined to come home to Gqeberha with a victory,” EP coach Shaun “Trok” Oliver said.
“EP made a fast start and opened up a 10-0 lead, but we allowed Border to come back and they led 17-10 at the break.
“In the second half we told our guys to push Border hard.
“EP scored a couple of tries and we took our opportunities.
“All our efforts now will be concentrated on playing SWD at home this weekend.
“EP are still in the competition and we must focus on ourselves and make sure we get five points at home.”
EP’s try-scorers were Nathan Smith, Dewald Gerber, Sean van Zijl, Adriano Martin and Simphiwe Dlamini. Fullback Lyle Meintjies booted five conversions and a penalty.
The previous week EP were outplayed in the second half when they crashed to a heavy 50-12 defeat against the Boland Cavaliers.
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.
Ahead of the Border clash Oliver demanded his team shore up their defence after they leaked soft tries against the Bolanders.
“EP want to focus on what we are doing well and improve,” he said.
“We knew the derby match against Border would be a tough affair.”
In their previous outing the Bulldogs delivered an impressive display when they trounced the SWD Eagles 50-24 in George.
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.
Nine provincial teams have been divided into two sections in the Shield tournament, with the south comprising Boland, Border, EP and SWD.
The north group features the Pumas, Harmony Griffons, Griquas, Falcons and Limpopo.
Teams in the south section play three home and three away matches and in the north a single round of four matches are played.
At the conclusion of the league phase, the two teams with the highest number of log points contest the semifinals within their sections, and the two winners progress to the grand north vs south final.
Latest log (5 matches): Boland Cavaliers 22, Border Bulldogs 16, EP Elephants 13, SWD Eagles 12
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.