The EP Kings managed to beat the SWD Eagles 15 - 9 at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Port Elizabeth. The game was over shadowed by aimless kicking down field as both sides tried to find their momentum and settle the nerves. SWD looked much better on attack as the Kings opted to kick and play a teritorial game, but struggled with their set pieces, especially their line outs.
Kings fullback, Scott van Breda, kicked two first half penalties and took a 6 - 0 lead half way through the first 40 minutes. SWD looked good on attack but were unable to pierce the Kings defense, with poor handling being their biggest enemy. They did however kick a penalty through fullback Justin van Staaden just on half time to go into the break trailing 6 - 3.
Five minutes into the second half van Staanden equalised through a drop goal. A few minutes later he had an opportunity to put his team in the lead but was unable to slot a 50 meter penalty kick. With the scores at 6 all, Kings had an opportunity to take the lead but decided to go for touch. Kings hooker, Hannes Franklins nightmare continued with another poor throw as the Kings wasted an opportunaty to take 3 points on offer.
Van Breda managed to add three more penalties in the last quarter of the game, and van Staanden adding 3 more points to secure the losing bonus point for the Eagles to bring the final score to 15 - 9. With this victory the Kings move to second place on the log and with a Pumas victory over the Leopards possibly securing a home semi final.
No comments:
Post a Comment