The Leopards and Boland Cavaliers took an early lead in the Absa Currie Cup Qualifier this weekend as they both secured bonus-point victories in the opening round.
The Qualifier features seven teams battling it out for the last remaining spot in the Absa Currie Cup Premier Division. The remaining six teams will participate in the Absa Currie Cup First Division.
The Leopards defeated the SWD Eagles 45-17 at Outeniqua Park in George on Friday thanks to an impressive six tries, while the Boland Cavaliers were guaranteed of their bonus-point for four tries in the first half against the Down Touch Griffons on Saturday, which set them up for a 32-22 victory in Malmesbury.
In the other match the Border Bulldogs surprised the ORC Griquas with a 20-13 victory at the BCM stadium in East London following a closely contested first half.
The Hino Valke, meanwhile, had a bye.
SWD Eagles 17 (10) Leopards 45 (17)
The Leopards were in fine form in their clash against the SWD Eagles despite the hosts taking an early 10-3 lead in the opening eight minutes. The Potchefstroom side found their rhythm in the second quarter and scored two tries compliments of prop Johan Smith and hooker Wian Fourie to take a 17-10 half time lead.
They continued to build on this form in the second half and took control of proceedings, which set up left wing Adri Jacobs for a hat-trick. Right wing Sergio Torrens supported this with another try to increase their tally to six for the match. The SWD Eagles, meanwhile, were only able to add one more try to their score after the break, which forced them to settle for a 45-17 defeat.
Scorers:
SWD Eagles – Tries: Elric van Vuuren, Peet van der Walt. Conversions: Elric van Vuuren (2). Penalty: Elric van Vuuren.
Leopards – Tries: Adri Jacobs (3), Johan Smith, Sergio Torrens, Wian Fourie. Conversions: Adriaan Engelbrecht (6). Penalty: Adriaan Engelbrecht.
