The SWD Eagles – a young team determined to build its standing in the Absa Currie Cup First Division – tumbled to a 70-27 loss to the Ford Pumas in their match at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit on Saturday.
The Pumas lead 35 – 6 at half-time.
“It was very disappointing,” said team manager Martin de Vos. “In fact it was dismal given the fact that we came off a series of three victories in a row with high hopes.
“We knew it was going to be tough to face the Pumas in Nelspruit as they’re a class outfit – but in the end we had a terrible day at the office.
“Things started to go wrong for us from the very first, especially after we conceded a try in the first fifteen seconds.”
But, he said, the lesson has not been lost.
“We’re going to spend time examining the videos, and making sure that we understand exactly where we made our mistakes. We’re going to look at it from every possible angle so that we can play more cleanly and clinically against the Leopards this Friday.”
He said that the relative inexperience of the team isn’t an excuse for their loss, but that losing often provides more opportunities to learn than does winning.
“This team has a lot of pride and we’ll keep backing our abilities and systems so that every one of the players can reach their full potential.
“We know they can do this – which is why it is so important for us to stay positive and to continue to focus on what worked for us in previous matches.”
Despite the loss, Mr. de Vos said that the Eagles are still in the tournament with a chance to reach the play-offs.
“So a win against the Leopards this coming Friday is non-negotiable.”
He urged locals and visitors to the Southern Cape to attend the SWD Eagles / Leopards game, which will kick off at the Outeniqua Park Stadium in George at 19h00 on the 7th of September.
“It’s a lovely, intimate venue, and it’s always an enjoyable evening for the whole family,” said Mr. de Vos
Final score
Absa Currie Cup First Division, Outeniqua Park (George), 31 August 2012: Ford Pumas 70 – SWD Eagles 27 (half time: 35 – 6).
SCORERS
Ford Pumas – Tries: Jaco Bouwer (3), Jerome Pretorius, Uzair Cassiem, Wilhelm Loock (2), Nqubeko Zulu, JW Jonker, Ashwin Scott. Conversions: JC Roos (9), Christo le Roux.
SWD Eagles – Tries: Wayne Khan, Elric van Vuuren (2). Conversions: Elric van Vuuren (3). Penalties: Elric van Vuuren (2).
Follow the SWD Eagles on their web site: www.swdeagles.co.za; on Facebook: www.facebook.com/SWDEaglesRugby; and on Twitter: @SWDEagles or www.twitter.com/swdeagles.
