Battle for rugby cup intensif ies

THE plot thickens in the Eastern Province Rugby Union Grand Challenge Cup as the tournament draws closer to the final, with teams fighting for semifinal positions tomorrow.

Log-leaders Gardens travel to the NMMU south campus to clash with a confident Madibaz, who defeated Grahamstown Brumbies in Grahamstown last week.

The students have built up some momentum and gone back to their winning ways, with three victories in three matches in the second round.

Gardens kept their unbeaten streak going when they defeated SAPS 31-17 at Kemsley Park.

NMMU are still in fourth position with 44 points, ahead of PE Harlequins who have 39 points. The situation is getting close at the top, with Gardens on 53 points being chased by Park, who have 50 points.

Madibaz will face their most difficult encounter in the league as Gardens have had an impressive run, but will need to be watchful against the speedy Madibaz backline.

The Uitenhage side will make some changes this week after incurring several injuries in their match against SAPS.

NMMU will need to make their mark early on to avoid trailing to Gardens, who always end strongly.

All matches are scheduled to kick off at 3.30pm.

Fixtures:

Trying Starsv Born Fighters( Alexandria ), United Barbarians v Gelvandale Wallabies( Ramaphosa ), CentralvWi nd vogel(Koe berg ), African Bombersv Suburban (Zwide), Ga rd ensv NMMU (South Campus ), Stars of Hopev Kruisfontein( Sport Complex ), Harlequinsv Despatch (D esp atch),ParkvB rum bi es( Lo ndt Park ), SAPSv Progress( Central)