Kings U21 side’s win augurs well for future

THE ambitious EP Kings U21 side made a flying start to the Currie Cup competition when they beat the Sharks 23-21 in Durban on Friday.

The Kings led 20-7 at half time and there are high hopes that this talented EP side can make the playoffs at the end of the season under the leadership of Baby Bok captain Jeremy Ward.

“The team showed very strong defensive character and that set up the victory,” EP coach Robbi Kempson said.

“They showed a never-say-die attitude to work themselves into a position to get the penalty after the hooter went.

“A very composed Malcolm Jaer slotted the penalty.

“It was a very committed team effort with strong leadership from Jeremy Ward and Lusanda Badiyana which saw them through a very tight and physical contest,” Kempson said.

Ward led the EP Kings to the U19 Currie Cup A Division title last season and they showed at Kings Park that they will once again be one of the teams favoured to go all the way.

Jaer, who was one of the standout players for the Southern Kings in Super Rugby this year, scored a try and kicked a penalty in what proved to be a valuable win.

The other EP try came from industrious hooker JP Jamieson, who dotted down in the 12th minute.

The Kings face the Leopards in their next match.

Scorers:

EP Kings 23: Tries: JP Jamieson, Malcom Jaer. Conversions: Garrick Mattheus (2). Penalties: Garrick Mattheus (2), Malcolm Jaer. Sharks 21: Tries: Graham Geldenhuys Marcel Coetzee Tristan Blewett. Conversions: Ruben de Vos (2), Jaywin Juries.