Eagles get big win but miss semi

THE SWD Eagles scored 10 tries to four in thrashing Eastern Province Kings 66-22 (half time 40-10) in their Currie Cup First Division rugby match at Outeniqua Park, George, on Friday.

The Eagles needed a big win to have any chance of qualifying for this coming weekend’s playoffs, which they did by outplaying the Kings in all aspects of the game.

They also earned a bonus point, but it was not enough to secure a semifinal, with Boland pipping them by winning their final group match against Welwitschias in Swakopmund, Namibia on Saturday.

The Kings came into the game having not won in six starts.

They got the ball rolling with a quick start, by scoring a try through fullback Harlon Klaasen in the opening minute.

But SWD bounced straight back, minutes later, when captain and flyhalf Martin du Toit forced his way over.

There were further tries for hooker Kurt Haupt, flank Johannes Stander and centre Marquit September before the EP Kings replied with their second by Klaasen.

But two more tries by Stander and Du Toit made sure the Eagles enjoyed a healthy 40-10 lead at half time.

Du Toit then got in for his hat-trick of scores while left-wing Adri Jacobs (2) and replacement JC Vermaak added three more to close the game off.

Fullback Leighton Eksteen slotted eight conversions for a personal tally of 16 points.

Loose forward Victor Sekekte and centre Jarryd Sage scored consolation tries for the Kings.