Border rugby teams crash out of Gold Cup
EP champions Progress defeat EL Police to reach quarterfinals
It took only 24 hours to knock out both Border teams in the prestigious African Rainbow Gold Cup, meaning Border will have no representation in the quarterfinals of the top club competition.
In what was arguably the best clash of the round of 16, EP champions Progress took on their Border counterparts, EL Police, a mouth-watering prospect between the two top teams in the province.
A lot was at stake in this match, not only bragging rights, but to reinforce the belief that EP teams have an edge over their Border competitors.
Police started like a house on fire and scored two brilliant tries within the opening stanza through hooker Daniel Caku and Soso Mqalo to lead 14-0. That silenced a shell-shocked blue wave of supporters.
Champion teams know how to fight back and rise to the occasion and Progress rallied back with two tries of their own.
First, Denver Jones dived over to cut the deficit to seven points. The battle up front was fierce, but momentum was with the home side. The packed Central Field had an air of expectation and the band rallied with sounds of encouragement.
Captain Fantastic Deon ”Moya” Plaatjies surprised Police with a quick tap and offloaded to prop Ayanda Klaas, who powered over for Progress’ second try, which was converted by Davian Swanepoel.
The rest of the half was an arm wrestle, with both teams stubborn in defence.
The second half was like a chess match, with both teams trying to tactically outmanoeuvre each other. Bobbies drew first blood in the second half through a penalty to take a 17-14 lead.
Both teams made several tactical substitutions, which kept the fans on their feet.
Police defence made a schoolboy error, after having been pinned down in their half, in what should have been an easy kick-out or mark call by the winger, he opted to run himself into trouble, pinned down in his own red zone.
Due to the pressure, his wayward pass was intercepted by Swanepoel, which gifted Progress the winning try.
Progress claimed the bragging rights and a spot in the quarterfinals, where they will face Northam Rhinos away, after the hot favourites demolished Sasol Secunda 69-8.
After the on and off battle of the Saldanha Bay and Ncera Leopards match, it did eventually go on last week Friday. Saldanha Bay was too strong for Leopards, beating them 62-33.
False Bay had to dig deep to beat a gallant Wesbank 41-31 to advance to the quarters where they will meet Naka Bulle in a titanic clash. Naka Bulle won a close encounter 32-29 against Springs.
Crusaders defeated PE Harlequins 29-23 in a tightly contested match at Parkdene, George. The SWD champions have a date with HollywoodBets Harlequins in the next round after the Pretoria side defeated Northam Wolves 35-14.
Raiders won 67-28 against Bloemfontein Police and will take on College Rovers after Rovers defeated Saldanha Bay 23-15 on Sunday.
The teams from the north of the country all have home advantage in the quarterfinals.
In what was arguably the best clash of the round of 16, EP champions Progress took on their Border counterparts, EL Police, a mouthwatering prospect between the two top teams in the province