OWN CORRESPONDENT, Johannesburg | Sunday 1.30pm.
THE Eastern Province rugby team caused probably the greatest upset of the 1998 Currie Cup championships by beating the Free State Cheetahs 20-7 in Port Elizabeth on Friday.
The Elephants were ahead 14-7 at half-time, and defended with absolute commitment to keep the Cheetahs, last year’s runners-up in the competition, from their goalline for close on 70 minutes.
Eastern Provine skipper Matthew Webber led by example, defending brilliantly. Eastern Province’s tries were scored by scrumhalf Chad Alcock and winger Henry Pedro, while Braam Els, the Cheetahs’ lock forward, scored his side’s only try.
The Blue Bulls are the leaders on the Currie Cup log after their good 27-22 win over the Gauteng Falcons at Loftus Versfeld on Friday night. The Bulls had to work hard for the victory over a tough Falcons side, who scored three tries but still failed to clinch the match.
The Golden Lions came from behind to beat the Mpumalanga Pumas 44-21 in their Currie Cup match played in Witbank on Friday. The half-time score was 21-19 in favout of the Pumas.
The Natal Sharks beat the South Western Districs Eagles 15-14 in a tough Currie Cup match at King’s Park on Friday. The Sharks were kept in the match by the boot of Gavin Lawless, who kicked five penalties. The half-time score was 9-9.