Bulldogs claim victory over EP Kings
THE Border Bulldogs held their nerve to deservedly beat Eastern Province Kings 20-17 in their SuperSport Rugby Challenge fixture at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth on Saturday.
Both sides came into the match needing a victory to maintain their quest for the playoffs berths.
Clashes between the two provincial neighbours have traditionally been hard-fought affairs and Saturday’s encounter was no different. It was physical battle up front but when presented with the space to run in the backs, both sides did so with determination.
Hooker Gregory Jackson got the scoreboard going for the EP Kings when he scored a good try from a powerful driving maul within two minutes of the start.
However, the Bulldogs struck back quickly and scored two tries. The first came from fullback Ntabeni Dukisa and the second through an intercept try by speedy right wing Michael Makase.
Flyhalf Oliver Zono slotted one of the conversions and then added a penalty for Border to lead 15-5 after 14 minutes, which remained the halftime score.
It was only in the 55th minute that the Kings managed to crack open Border’s lines with Stefan Ungerer crashing over. Replacement flyhalf Garrick Mattheus kicked the conversion to narrow the gap to 15-12.
But, five minutes later Border got in for their third try as replacement Yanga Xakalashe pounced on a loose ball over the tryline.
The home team were intent on making sure of a tight finish and with seven minutes remaining, flank Brandon Brown took advantage of some sustained pressure to score.
The Kings came hard at the visitors but the Bulldogs managed to hold on for a satisfying away win. — SuperSport