EP finish strong at the U16 Grant Khomo week

Eastern Province finished the U16 Coca-Cola Grant Khomo Week on a high, when they beat the Free State in their final match at the Bridgton Sports Grounds in Oudtshoorn on Thursday.

The battle was epic as both teams put their bodies on the line on attack and defence. Interestingly Free State were reduced to 14 men in the 25th minute following a tip tackle, but despite this they continued to deliver a passionate performance.

Both teams applied pressure on attack and managed to work their way close to the opposition’s tryline. The Free State scored the only try of the half, as Eastern Province opted for two penalties to get on the scoreboard as they battled to breach the defence. This resulted in the Port Elizabeth side taking a narrow 6-5 lead at the break.

The second half was equally physical as the teams continued to run hard at one another, but Eastern Province managed to break through for their first try in the 34th minute, which pushed them 13-5 ahead.

They again found space out wide with minutes left on the clock to stretch their lead, but the Free State hit back with a try of their own.

This, however, was cancelled out as Eastern Province scored their third try for a 27-10 lead.

Eastern Province were reduced to 14 men in the dying minutes, and with the sides equal in terms of numbers, Free State scored again.

The Port Elizabeth side bounced back immediately with their fourth try to record a 34-17 victory.

Scorers:

Eastern Province (6) 34 – Tries: Elandre Smit, Uan Tait, Curtley Deysel (2). Conversions: Vaughen Isaacs (4). Penalties: Vaughen Isaacs (2).

Free State (5) 17 - Tries: David Kriel, Ru-hann Greyling, Wyclef Vlitoor. Conversion: Christopher Schreuder.

U16 Coca-Cola Grant Khomo Week day-three results:

Golden Lions 31 - 24 KwaZulu-Natal
Western Province 33 - 12 Blue Bulls
Pumas 24 - 24 Boland
Border 49 - 0 Leopards
Eastern Province 34 - 17 Free State
Limpopo Blue Bulls 30 - 17 SWD Eagles
Border CD 3 - 26 Griquas CD
Griquas 19 - 17 Valke
Zimbabwe 21 - 7 Namibia
Griffons 17 - 12 SWD Eagles XV