Spring Rose may have edge over Gardens

THE Eastern Cape Super 12 club rugby competition will have new champions when Gardens and Spring Rose lock horns at the WJ de Wet Stadium in Despatch tomorrow.

Defending champions East London Police were knocked out of the provincial showpiece last week by Rose.

Both Rose and Gardens go into the encounter with 100% winning records in this campaign.

While both sides will be looking to get their hands on the trophy, perhaps Rose will be more confident after convincingly eliminating EL Police in the semifinal last week.

But Gardens are no strangers to the final and will be eager to bring the glory days back after finishing as runners-up last season.

Big match temperament will be needed tomorrow and Gardens have a slight advantage over their opponents as this is their third consecutive final.

However, last week, in what many saw as the final before the final, Gardens had to dig deep to edge bitter rivals Progress for a spot in the final.

Tomorrow’s clash will be a different ball game as both sides are well aware that they only have one shot at provincial dominance.

Meanwhile, Progress will battle it out with EL Police for third place.

The Uitenhage outfit will be eager to complete EP rugby’s dominance over their Border counterparts by clinching the bronze medal.

The third-place playoff match kicks off at 1.30pm, while the final gets under way at 3.30pm.