Eagles fly to victory against Border

SOUTH-WESTERN Districts Eagles claimed a first competition victory when they beat Border Bulldogs 41-20 (halftime 28-6) in their Currie Cup First Division rugby fixture at Outeniqua Park, George, on Friday.

Fullback Leighton Eksteen was the hero for the home team, scoring 21 points of his own with a try, five conversions and two penalties.

Both teams came into the game having failed to win their opening games of the competition. Border were coming off a home 48-41 loss against the Valke while the Eagles drew away to the Leopards at Olen Park on the opening day.

SWD got off to an early lead when flank Johannes Stander scored a try in the 12th minute which Eksteen converted.

After some pressure from the visitors scrumhalf Bangi Kobese slotted a penalty shortly afterwards before SWD got in for another try through flank Friginald Africa. Eksteen was again successful with the kick.

Kobese landed another penalty to narrow the gap but SWD pulled away as Stander scored his second try of the night for Eksteen to convert.

On the stroke of half-time, Eksteen dotted down his own try and kicked the conversion to make it 28-6 at the break.

Border made three substitutions when the teams returned in an effort to stem the tide but Eksteen slotted two penalties as the home side took complete control of proceedings.

Replacement Marlou van Niekerk ran in for SWD’s fifth and final try of the match with four minutes remaining. Eksteen converted.

Border then scored a consolation try at the death when left wing Siyasanga Ncanywa outsprinted the defence to touch down. Payi added the extra two points but it was SWD who ended the night as worthy winners with a bonuspoint victory. — SuperSport.com