OWN CORRESPONDENT Johannesburg | Sunday 5.00PM.
THE Natal Sharks squandered a huge possessional advantage in their Currie Cup match against the Golden Lions at Ellis Park on Saturday, playing out to a 11-10 loss.
The Sharks had the advantage in all aspects of the game, but lost the ball on numerous occasions through handling errors and aggressive tackles by the Lions. The home-side tackled with venom, and the Sharks were unable to breach the advantage line through virtually the entire match. The Sharks dominated line-outs, scrums and led the Lions 11-4 in penalties awarded, but could not manage to turn in the win.
For the Lions, scrumhalf JP du Plooy dotted down in the 48th minute, while Shaun Payne crossed the line for the Sharks in the 92nd minute of another very long match.
Eastern Province fought their way back into their Currie Cup match against Western Province at Newlands on Saturday, losing 34-30 at the end. The half-time score was 26-9. EP’s new coach Nelie Smith seems to have given the side new vision, as they are getting more and more determined with every match.
The MTN Falcons continued their good run of form, beating the Boland Cavaliers 39-17 in a Currie Cup match at the Bosman Stadium on Saturday.
The Free Sate Cheetahs beat the South Western Districts Eagles 38-27 in their Currie Cup match played at Outeniqua Park in George on Sunday.