GEORGE NEWS - The SWD Eagles delivered a disappointing performance for home fans the past weekend when they lost 19-34 to the EP Elephants in the Currie Cup First Division. The Elephants delivered an inspiring first-half performance, scoring five tries and making the half-time score 7-34.
The match started with a quick try by the EP Elephants forwards in the second minute to make the score 0-7.
The home supporters were given some hope when the SWD Eagles quickly hit back with a wonderful backline try by the eighth minute to even the score at 7-7.
Play remained stagnant until the 20th minute when the EP Elephants converted a penalty kick to make the score 7-10. Soon after, EP Elephants full-back Jayden Bantom made a magnificent solo run through the Eagles to score and after converting, the score stood at 7-17.
The Elephants dominated the last 10 minutes of the first half and scored twice in two minutes. Both tries were unconverted and the score was 7-27.
In the final minute, a blunder by the Eagles following a scrum on their own 5m line gave the ball to the Elephants, who capitalised and scored again making the score at half-time 7-34.
In the second half the SWD Eagles sharpened their defensive mindset and did not allow the Elephants to score even once. But their attacking left the fans wanting more.
A quick Eagles try at the start of the second half made the score 14-34 and gave fans hope. The match remained stagnant until the 58th minute when Eagles full-back, Rosco Syster, made an inspired solo run from his own half to try in the corner, making the score 19-34.
For the remainder of the game the match was stuck in the midfield with the Elephants shutting down all attempts at the goal line by the Eagles.
The SWD Eagles will host the Border Bulldogs at Outeniqua Park on Saturday 22 June for their next match in the Currie Cup First Division.
The score was reached as follows:
Phangela SWD Eagles (7)19, Eastern Province (34)34
EP Elephants - Tries: Temba Boltina, Stefan Willemse, Rodney Damons, Jayden
Bantom. Conversions: Bantom (3). Penalty goal: Bantom.
Phangela SWD Eagles - Tries: Heinrich Roelfse, Mpho Ntsane, Rosco Syster. Conversions: Marlo Weich (2).
‘Ons bring jou die nuutste Tuinroete, Hessequa, Karoo nuus’
