The all-East London Super 12 dream final came crashing down to earth at the weekend as WSU All Blacks lost to Gardens, while EL Police managed a late victory against Springrose to set up an Eastern Cape finale between EP Rugby and Border.
The final of the annual competition will now feature a clash between two undefeated giants, EL Police and Gardens.
The former will have to improve following their below-par performance in the semis if they are to emerge victorious in the final.
EL Police looked like a lost bunch in their encounter against Springrose, running all over the show like headless chickens, which was a far cry from the dominant force they are known to be.
In fact, many were convinced the team were headed for a shock loss, having trailed 5-3 for the better part of the game, only to score a late converted try to make the final score 10-5. Springrose, though underdogs going into the game, definitely looked the better of the two sides, but were not always sharp on the field of play.
In Port Elizabeth, it was another tight affair as Gardens beat the WSU All Blacks 10-0. The WSU All Blacks camp believe that Gardens had benefited from home-ground decisions.
“A lot of referees’ decisions did not go our way. Most were questionable so conditions did not favour us,” said WSU All Blacks assistant coach Akhona Mgijima.
“We unfortunately cannot cry over spilt milk because these things happen in rugby.
“Congratulations to Gardens and we wish them well for their final match but our focus now is to try fight for finishing third.”
Gardens though will have to prove themselves away from home in the final scheduled for Police Park in East London on Saturday against their nemesis, EL Police.
It promises to be a scintillating clash of the titans.
The two high-flying clubs will not be in the business of losing the all-important final after their respective unblemished records through round-robin games to the semis.
No Border Rugby-affiliated club has won the cup in the previous four years, but police are now in pole position to be the first side to do so. Rugby in the Eastern Cape will be the ultimate winner as well after the final, thanks to the department of sport, recreation, arts and culture, who were funders and organisers of the tournament. — mawandem@dispatch.co.za
EL Police must sharpen up for final against cross-border rivals
The final of the annual competition will now feature a clash between two undefeated giants, EL Police and Gardens.
The former will have to improve following their below-par performance in the semis if they are to emerge victorious in the final.
EL Police looked like a lost bunch in their encounter against Springrose, running all over the show like headless chickens, which was a far cry from the dominant force they are known to be.
In fact, many were convinced the team were headed for a shock loss, having trailed 5-3 for the better part of the game, only to score a late converted try to make the final score 10-5. Springrose, though underdogs going into the game, definitely looked the better of the two sides, but were not always sharp on the field of play.
In Port Elizabeth, it was another tight affair as Gardens beat the WSU All Blacks 10-0. The WSU All Blacks camp believe that Gardens had benefited from home-ground decisions.
“A lot of referees’ decisions did not go our way. Most were questionable so conditions did not favour us,” said WSU All Blacks assistant coach Akhona Mgijima.
“We unfortunately cannot cry over spilt milk because these things happen in rugby.
“Congratulations to Gardens and we wish them well for their final match but our focus now is to try fight for finishing third.”
Gardens though will have to prove themselves away from home in the final scheduled for Police Park in East London on Saturday against their nemesis, EL Police.
It promises to be a scintillating clash of the titans.
The two high-flying clubs will not be in the business of losing the all-important final after their respective unblemished records through round-robin games to the semis.
No Border Rugby-affiliated club has won the cup in the previous four years, but police are now in pole position to be the first side to do so. Rugby in the Eastern Cape will be the ultimate winner as well after the final, thanks to the department of sport, recreation, arts and culture, who were funders and organisers of the tournament. — mawandem@dispatch.co.za
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