Great teamwork – and the surgical precision of young Kurt Coleman’s boot – helped the SWD Eagles to a 22-16 victory over the Ford Pumas at their home ground, Outeniqua Park, on Friday evening.
The Eagles lead 9-8 at half time.
“It was a courageous performance,” said the Eagles’ team manager and head of development, Martin de Vos.
“The Pumas – who played in the A division last year – came here with an impressive win against Boland last week under their belt, so they aren’t a minor league team, and we had our work cut out for us.
“But the guys stepped up brilliantly.
“They’re ecstatic now, of course: they’ve formed into a close-knit team, they’re playing with unity, and they’re looking forward to our game against the Leopards in Potch on Saturday.”
Mr. de Vos said that the team is aiming for consistency in order to achieve the psychological advantage.
“What you want first and foremost is back-to-back wins, and secondly you need a win away from home to really build confidence in the group.”
The SWD Eagles tally came from a try by Johan Herbst (number 9) – which was successfully converted by Kurt Coleman (number 10) – and from four penalties by Kurt and one by Theuns Kotze (number 21).
This in response to two tries by RW Kember and Renaldo Bothma, and two penalties by JC Roos for the Ford Pumas.
Johan Herbst was named Man of the Match.
SWD Eagles CEO Johan Prinsloo said that the team has put in a lot of work going into the season.
“We’ve prepared well, and the players are showing incredible determination.
“They’re showing great professionalism on the field, and they’re making less mistakes.
“It’s a good team, and I’m very confident in all of them,” he said.
Mr. de Vos said that some of the players suffered niggles and minor injuries on Friday. “Our medical team will assess them first thing on Monday morning, and that the team for Potchefstroom will be announced on Tuesday afternoon.”
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