Battle lines drawn for Mayoral Cup

THE Mayoral Cup reaches its penultimate round this weekend, with all the last standing teams in the different division fighting for the coveted trophy to be the champions of Nelson Mandela Bay.

After a gruelling few weeks, teams will face of at the New Brighton Oval and at the Despatch Rugby Club field.

In the top division final, Grand Challenge finalists Harlequins, of Korsten, will lock horns with Uitenhage’s Progress Rugby Club, at the Despatch Rugby Field tomorrow at 3.30pm.

Harlequins began their road to redemption by beating New Brighton outfit Spring Rose in their opening fixture.

Quins then went down to the Gelvan Wallabies, which saw the Gelvandale side on top of their pool – but they did not advance any further.

Harlequins’ run was made sweeter when they exerted revenge on Gardens Rugby Club, whom they lost to in the Grand Challenge final, by knocking them out in the semifinals at the same venue last week for a place in the final.

Progress, however, will fight for their first silverware this year by causing an upset against Quins, of which their backline has proven to be very capable.

In the curtain-raiser fixture, division three teams Mighty Blues, of Uitenhage, will look to oust Port Elizabeth’s Glen Roses to secure the title of Mayoral Champions, at the Despatch Rugby Field at 2pm.

In New Brighton, Grand Challenge Shield Champions Despatch Oostelikes will do battle for their second major title this year against Kwazakhele Rugby Union (Kwaru), at the New Brighton Oval tomorrow at 3.30pm.

After winning the Grand Challenge Shield in a bruising encounter against United Barbarians, at Kemsley Park, back in August, the Oostelikes will be out to send a strong message to all first division teams before they join next season’s Grand Challenge league.

The African Bombers men’s side have not had a good season, but the women’s side square up against Kwaru in the women’s final, also at the oval, at 2pm.