Falcons fly too high for Kings in Despatch

THE Falcons remained on course for the playoffs with a hard-fought 29-17 victory over the Eastern Province Kings in a Currie Cup First Division rugby match at the WJ de Wet Stadium in Despatch on Saturday.

The visitors, ahead 24-10 at half time, were the dominant side in the first half and held out in the second for the win.

The Falcons had known they needed a victory to remain in contention for the semifinals.

It means they have a chance of securing a home semifinal, if they manage a bonus-point victory in their last group match, against the Leopards in Brakpan on Saturday.

The Leopards, however, will be a tough nut to crack after a narrow 28-22 loss to top-of-thetable Down Touch Griffons in Klerksdorp on Friday.

The EP Kings have yet to secure a win and the loss was another setback, although there were some brighter signs.

They were first on the scoreboard, when left wing Suphumelele Msutwana sped in for a try in the seventh minute. But Falcons centre Christiaan Rust soon levelled matters when he forced his way over for a try.

Almost from the resultant restart, EP Kings hooker Kota Mbeko bulldozed his way over for the home team to lead 10-5.

But then it was the Falcons who provided the fireworks, with tries form lock Shane Kirkwood, flank Ernest Ladendorf and fullback Coert Cronje.

Two conversions from flyhalf Warren Potgieter ensured his side enjoyed a comfortable 24-10 lead at half time. The second half was more evenly matched.

Msutwana bagged his second try for the Kings and flyhalf Luvo Claassen converted.

But the Falcons secured the win, when right wing Don Mlondobozi scored their fifth try.

The point-scorers were: Kings: tries – Suphumelele Msutwana (two), Mbeko Kota. Conversions: Luvo Claassen Falcons: tries – Christiaan Rust, Shane Kirkwood, Ernest Ladendorf, Coert Cronje, Don Mlondobozi; Conversions: Warren Potgieter (two). – SuperSport.com