Progress clinch Grand Challenge against Park

A LATE try saw Progress clinch this year’s EP Rugby Union Grand Challenge Cup when they beat Park 17-12 at the Wolfson Stadium on Saturday.

The Progress pack hit the ground running with a series of attacks and showed great confidence in carrying the ball forward.

They registered the first points though a penalty by flyhalf AJ Roman.

Park soon replied with a try from fullback Ruan Stander, which flyhalf Francois Thysse converted to put them 7-3 ahead.

They built on this position and had the upper hand towards the end of the first half.

Solid scrumming by the Park team resulted in an excellent try by skilful winger Siya Moabi, who used some fancy footwork to outrun the Progress defenders.

They continued to camp in the Progress half but wasted their opportunities with untidy play at times.

The teams went into half time with Park leading 12-3.

The second half got off to an intense start with both sides eager to snatch the title.

The players put their bodies on the line, but Park were dealt a big blow when powerful hooker Lumko Mbare incurred a knee injury after a crunching tackle.

As tempers flared, Progress kept cool heads and defended well.

Park missed a number of chances and Progress soon capitalised with a try from wing Raymond Darries.

They then added a brilliant try after tactical interplay between Darries and fullback Curnall Hendricks.

Progress will now represent Eastern Province in the Gold Cup, starting next week.

Progress coach Hashim Dirk was delighted with their efforts, saying: “I am really proud of the team and how they played here today.

“They poured their hearts out and played with a lot of passion.

“The hard work hasn’t stopped for us now as we will continue with training to prepare for the Gold Cup.”

EPRU president Andre Rademan said the teams played high-quality rugby and had good discipline.