Grand Challenge round-up

With Despatch having a bye, PE SAPS should move to the top of the Grand Challenge log on Saturday (August 1) when they host Kruisfontein at Kemsley Park.

Following last week's washed-out matches, each team received two points, which means that Despatch and SAPS are deadlocked at the top on 51 points.

While the unbeaten SAPS team go into the match as firm favourites, they will not be making the mistake of underestimating their opponents, who will be fired up for this clash as they bid for a spot in the playoffs. The Humansdorp outfit are never a side to be written off and they know how priceless a win will be this weekend. But the policemen will be equally keen to confirm their credentials as genuine title contenders. It should be a rousing encounter.

With just one round remaining, plus a few postponed games, Despatch and SAPS have secured the top two spots on the log, with Gardens (36 points from 11 games) leading the rest of the pack.

Gardens have home advantage this weekend, but will face a stiff examination from Alexandria outfit Trying Stars, who are just seven points behind them, with a game in hand.

Park, who lie fourth with 33 points, will be looking to get back onto the winning trail and victory over Harlequins at Londt Park would do a lot for their playoff chances. But Quins have the ability to test any team in the competition and this should be another hard-fought encounter.

NMMU are back in action after a lengthy break and will host Spring Rose at the South Campus, while bottom teams Windvogel and African Bombers are set for a titanic duel at Windvogel. Even with only pride at stake, this should be an intense encounter as the teams try to move away from the wrong end of the log.

Crusaders have also struggled this season and they will face a big test of character against Progess in Uitenhage.

Upcoming fixtures (kick-off at 15.30):

Park v Harlequins at Londt Park

Gardens v Trying Stars at Rosedale

PE SAPS v Kruisfontein at Kemsley Park

NMMU v Spring Rose at South Campus

Windvogel v African Bombers at Windvogel

Progress v Crusaders at Uitenhage Central

Latest log (matches in brackets): 

Despatch and PE SAPS 51 (12)

Gardens 36 (11)

Park 33 (12)

Kruisfontein 32 (12)

Brumbies 31 (13)

Trying Stars 29 (11)

Spring Rose 29 (12)

Progress 28 (12)

Harlequins 25 (12)

NMMU Madibaz 23 (9)

Crusaders 13 (11)

Windvogel 12 (10)

African Bombers 6 (11)