Gritty EP secure fine win in Durban

THE EP Kings ended the Sharks XV’s unbeaten run with a gritty 27-11 (halftime 14-8) win in their Vodacom Cup South Section rugby match at Kings Park in Durban yesterday.

The Kings relied on some outstanding defence and some individual brilliance as they claimed just their third win of the season.

The visitors were full value for their win as they ran in three tries to one.

The home team had the better of the territory in the first half, but possession stats were even.

The hosts opened the scoring with a fine try from right wing Sizo Maseko, who forced his way over in the corner for an unconverted try in the 11th minute.

The Kings struck back eight minutes later with a well-worked try that saw left wing Sergeal Petersen make an outside break. Petersen swapped passes with eighthman Aidon Davis to canter away for a converted try.

The Sharks regained the lead in the 23rd minute with a penalty from flyhalf Jean-Luc du Plessis.

But the Kings had the stronger finish. Flyhalf Ntabeni Dukisa sprinted clear from an interception 40m out before converting for EP to lead 14-8 at halftime.

The Kings, who had run the ball in the first half, took a safer approach in the second, using a kicking game to pin the Sharks XV in their own territory.

The visitors stretched their lead to nine points when Dukisakicked a 47th minute penalty before his opposite number Du Plessis struck back with a penalty of his own in the 50th minute.

EP extended their lead three minutes later with a penalty by replacement wing Kayle van Zyl.

The hosts had almost complete territorial dominance in the final quarter but the Kings grabbed their third try with nine minutes to go when replacement centre Brian Skosana rounded off a wonderful team try.