Despite a solid 60 minute performance from the Eastern Province Kings, and taking the lead just after half time, the Xerox Golden Lions showed the Kings just how easy a game can turn on its head and why they are strong contenders for this years ABSA Currie Cup finals.
The Lions opened the scoring after just two minutes through a driving maul when flanker, Jaco Kriel, scored his teams first try, conversion was successful from Ruan Combrink as the Lions took an early 7 – 0 lead.
The Kings had an opportunity to level the scores 5 minutes later, but a skip pass out wide to Siyanda Grey was called forward by match referee Marius van der Westhuizen as he ran in for the try.
Ten minutes later, Ruan Dreyer scored his teams second try through a similar driving maul as the first, Combrink was on target and the Lions were leading 14 – 0 after 18 minutes.
Again the Kings were unable to finish off a promising skip pass with a man over, as Siviwe Soyizwapi couldn’t hang on to a pass from Scott van Breda as he went through the gap.
The Kings did however get points on the board through a penalty try, as continual ill discipline prevented the Kings from scoring. Van Breda added the extras as the Kings narrowed the gap to a converted try, trailing 7 – 14 with 10 minutes to half time.
The Kings started to build momentum with ball in hand as the Lions had to play with 14 men after captain, Lionel Mapoe, was yellow carded for his teams ill discipline.
Shane Gates gathered a kick and chase as he scored his teams second try a few minutes later, van Breda was on target with the conversion and in doing so equalled the scores to 14 all with 8 minutes to half time.
The two teams ended the first half with a try each, the first through Lions’ Schalk van der Merwe after poor defense from the Kings, Combrink added the extras as the Lions regained a 7 point lead.
The second try came as quick ball went through the Kings’ backs and ended up at Soyizwapi, this time holding on to go over in the corner. Van Breda was unable to add the two points from the touch line conversion as the Kings went into the half time break trailing 19 – 21.
Kings started the second half well as they took a 1 point lead after 5 minutes through a George Whitehead drop goal, leading 22 – 21.
Discipline and a lack of concentration from the Kings allowed the Lions to regain their lead as two penalties gave them a 5 point lead after back to back penalties from Combrink, leading 27 – 22 after 63 minutes.
Man of the match, Franco Mostert scored his teams bonus point try in the 71st minute after continual pressure from the Lions, Combrink was on target with the touch line conversion as they stretched their lead to 34 – 22.
A final attacking scrum from the Lions were too much for the Kings as Derick Minnie dotted down from the push over scrum, on target Combrink kicked his 5th conversion to go with his two penalties, as the game ended 41 – 22.
Scorers:
EP Kings (22) – Tries: Penalty, Gates, Soyizwapi Conversion: van Breda (3)
Xerox Golden Lions (41) – Tries: Kriel, Dreyer, S vd Merwe, Mostert, Minnie Conversion: Combrink (5) Penalties: Combrink (2)
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