Griffons, Valke and Leopards face tricky away challengers

Sep 2 • General News • 2002 Views • Comments Off on Griffons, Valke and Leopards face tricky away challengers

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· Absa Currie Cup First Division round seven action

Big battles will be expected in the Absa Currie Cup First Division this weekend following the resumption of the tournament last week, as the scramble for log places begins to intensify.

On current form, the Down Touch Griffons are the favourites to win Friday’s match against the Border Bulldogs in East London, while SWD Eagles are at home to the Hino Valke in the second clash on Friday evening. Both matches will kick off at 19h00.

In the only match on Saturday, runaway log leaders, the Leopards, travel from Potchefstroom to Wellington to face the Boland Cavaliers in a 15h30 fixture.

Border have shown much improvement this season and their competitiveness has created difficulty for many teams. However, injuries to key players coupled with untimely ill-discipline may have scuppered match-winning opportunities for the East London side.

Last week in Kempton Park they allowed a 24-8 lead to slip against the Valke after replacement prop Siyamthanda Ngande was yellow carded. The Valke rallied with three tries in that period to clinch a seemingly comfortable 48-27 win.

Flyhalf Masixole Banda and fullback Logan Basson are the kingpins in the Border backline and they can pose a danger to the visitors if they receive swift ball. The Griffons, however, will be buoyed by their ten-try 62-24 win against Boland last weekend and will be hoping to maintain the momentum as they search for their fourth win in seven matches.

Although the SWD Eagles currently have only secured a draw and a win from their six outings, they are expected to pose a stiff challenge for the third-placed Griffons. The home ground advantage at Outeniqua Park in George, however, is expect to boost the Eagles who are currently lying fifth on the standings.

In Saturday’s fixture in Wellington, the Boland Cavaliers will look to produce a solid performance against the Leopards. Boland have conceded the most tries (27) in the competition so far, while the prolific Leopards have not only scored the most tries (36), but also managed to earn a four-try bonus point in their run of six wins in a row. This meeting will undoubtedly test Boland’s defensive resolve.

Absa Currie Cup First Division fixtures for this weekend:

Friday, 4 September:

Border Bulldogs vs Down Touch Griffons
Venue: BCM Stadium, East London
Kick-off: 19h00

SWD Eagles vs Hino Valke
Venue: Outeniqua Park, George
Kick-off: 19h00

Saturday, 5 September

Boland Cavaliers vs Leopards
Venue: Boland Cavaliers Stadium, Wellington
Kick-off: 15h30

ABSA Currie Cup First Division