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Port Elizabeth - The Griffons used all their experience to edge a youthful EP Kings outfit 32-24 (half-time 20-10) in their Currie Cup Qualifier match at NMB Stadium on Friday.
According to SuperSport, there was some distance on the qualifying log between the two sides coming into the game with the Griffons sitting mid-table and the inexperienced Kings in a lowly second-last position.
And the Griffons were first to make an impression when flyhalf Duan Pretorius slotted a penalty in the second minute.
But No 10 Simon Bolze levelled matters for the home side with a penalty of his own.
Pretorius kicked another penalty and then converted a superb try by nimble fullback Selvyn Davids for the Griffons to lead 13-3 through 25 minutes. Davids danced his way through the EP defence to score untouched.
The Griffons were in for their second try of the game shortly before halftime after a good break by Pretorius eventually saw left wing Warren Williams score out wide. Pretorius was on target with the tough conversion.
But the Griffons were down to 14 men almost on the halftime hooter when Davids was yellow carded for obstructing a Kings player on the tryline. The Kings were given a penalty try and Bolze added the two points to make the score 20-10 at half-time.
The teams ran at each other’s defence after the break but it was only in the 52nd minute that EP managed to break through with fullback Lindelwe Zungu scoring for the home team for Bolze to convert.
That narrowed the gap to three points and the young Kings outfit was sniffing an upset.
However, the Griffons restored their 10-point advantage as centre Japie Nel forced his way over for his team’s third try. Pretorius converted with 15 minutes remaining.
Replacement Kings flyhalf Garrick Mattheus gave Kings renewed hope with a try and a conversion only for Davids to shut them out with his second try of the game.
Scorers:
EP Kings – Tries: Penalty try, Lindelwe Zungu, Garrick Mattheus; Conversions: Simon Bolze (2), Garrick Mattheus; Penalties: Simon Bolze
Griffons – Tries: Selvyn Davids (2), Warren Williams, Japie Nel; Conversions: Duan Pretorius (3); Penalties: Duan Pretorius (2)
