Griquas too strong for EP Kings

Port Elizabeth - Griquas consolidated their lead at the top of the standings when they easily beat the Eastern Province Kings 29-12 (half-time 22-0) in their Currie Cup Qualifier fixture at Nelson Mandela stadium, Port Elizabeth, on Saturday.

Log-leaders Griquas came to Port Elizabeth looking for a full haul of points to extend their lead at the summit over Boland and Western Province in second and third positions respectively.

Eastern Province on the other hand have endured a tough season with their off-field problems well documented. On Saturday night though their troubles on the field of play resurfaced in the first half as they struggled to compete with a superior team. Although EP came back in the second half with a strong performance, Griquas did enough in the first to earn the victory quite easily.

Griquas were quick out of the blocks with right wing Ntabeni Dukisa scoring a fifth-minute try after some early pressure from the visitors. Flyhalf Andre Swarts missed the conversion but slotted a penalty 12 minutes later for Griquas to lead 8-0.

It did not take too much longer for Griquas to run in their second try when left wing Alshaun Bock rounded off a full backline movement. Swarts added the two points.

Dukisa was in for his second try of the evening soon after the half hour. Swarts converted and Griquas were firmly in control at 22-0.

The Kings emerged a determined bunch after half-time and actually dominated the first 10 minutes. They were rewarded for their persistence when No8 Lusanda Badiyana crashed over for side’s first points of the match. Flyhalf Garrick Mattheus added the extras.

But that seemed to kick Griquas back into action and they grabbed the bonus point try through Swarts, who added another two points with his boot.

Hooker JP Jamieson scored a consolation try for Eastern Province in the dying minutes.

Scorers:

EP Kings

Tries: Lusanda Badiyana, JP Jamieson

Conversions: Garrick Mattheus

Griquas

Tries: Ntabeni Dukisa (2), Alshaun Bock, Andre Swarts

Conversions: Andre Swarts (3)

Penalties: Andre Swarts

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