In weather conditions more suited for waterpolo than rugby, the SWD Eagles defeated the Northern Free State Griffons by 25 points to 10 at Outeniqua Park in George on Saturday.
On a rain-soaked and muddy field both teams tried to run the ball but had to change tactics. The Eagles were first to score when their flyhalf, Ambrose Barends, converted a penalty.
With 10 minutes to go before half-time, Spencer Wakeley, the Eagles’s captain, broke out of a halfhearted tackle to score an unconverted try. Four minutes later, Ricardo Pietersen outpaced the opposition to bring the score to 13-3.
In the second half, with rain still coming down, replacement flyhalf Jan Viljoen and Robert Gerber each scored unconverted tries for the Eagles.
Frontranker Jep Ras replied with a try for the visitors and Viljoen added the extra two points.
This win could enable the Eagles to play in the semifinals of the first division of the Currie Cup where they propably will meet the Leopards in Potchefstroom. – Sapa