EASTERN Province captain Chad Alcock led by example in scoring a hattrick of tries in his side’s seventh win of an improving season, beating Northern Free State 32-17. Prop Corne van der Merwe followed his leader best by claiming two of EP’s six tries, ho lead 12-7 at half-time in Welkom. Only fiercesome tackling by the Griffins and poor passing by EP denied the visitors further access to the NFS tryline in the first half, which EP finished 12-7 ahead. The visitors started the second half in much the same fashion as the first when fullback Ricardo Loubscher scored in the opening minutes. Ill-discipline from the Griffins and good running by EP centres Fanie Heymans and Tobie de Jager created gaps in the Griffins defence in the second half.
Scorers:
Eastern Province – Tries: Morne van der Merwe (2), Chad Alcock (3), Ricardo Loubscher. Conversion: Dale Heidtmann.
Northern Free State – Tries: Stuart Abbott, Gavin Passens, Johan de Kock. Conversion: Arno de Jager.