Despatch dynamite on the road
Log-leaders tackle Humansdorp team
FRESH from a convincing victory over rivals NMMU, the unstoppable Despatch rugby team will be eager to continue their winning ways in the EP Grand Challenge when they travel to Humansdorp to lock horns with Kruisfontein at the Country Club tomorrow.
If the visitors’ previous games are anything to go by, the hosts will be in for a tough day at the office.
Playing in front of their fans should give Kruisfontein confidence as they hope to be the first side to put the log-leaders to the sword. But they will be aware that it will take everything in their arsenal to stun the former Cell C Community Cup champions.
On paper, Despatch should easily win but the visitors never take their opponents for granted and will give it their all.
At Londt Park, PE SAPS will entertain Park, with both sides high on confidence after winning their previous games and itching to take the field after last weekend’s break. The cops, who have more experience, should have an upper hand against their rivals, but they will not take Park lightly.
The Brumbies will host NMMU at the Grahamstown Oval and will fancy their chances after two recent defeats for the students. However, NMMU, who have dominated the Grand Challenge in recent seasons, will be out to send a strong message as they try to restore respect.
The varsity side will be in a determined mood and if the hosts go into the clash thinking NMMU’s losses are a sign of weakness, they could be at the receiving end of a serious beating.
Harlequins will play against newcomers Windvogel at Adcock Stadium and will go into the game as clear favourites after stunning NMMU in their last outing. But the visitors will be hoping for their first victory in the province’s premier competition. Quins, who are the PE Metro Castle Lager Super 14 champions, will be out to prove that their win against NMMU was no fluke.
Spring Rose will welcome Crusaders at the New Brighton Oval in what should be an entertaining game. Saders, whose game against NMMU on Wednesday was postponed because of load-shedding, have not played competitive rugby in more than a week and will need to quickly find their rhythm and avoid unnecessary mistakes.
Trying Stars have a date with Progress in Alexandria. Progress should have a slight advantage over the newcomers, but with several Stars players having had experience in provincial and national competitions, the rural side have proved to be a difficult side to beat. The Alexandria side tasted their first victory against fellow newcomers Windvogel in their last game, but Progress are no rookies.
The fixtures are (kick-off 3.30pm): Brumbies v NMMU, Park v PE SAPS, Harlequins v Windvogel, Trying Stars v Progress, Kruisfontein v Despatch, Spring Rose v Crusaders