The Border Bulldogs broke their winless drought when they upset the Griffons 34-26 in their Absa Currie Cup first division match at East London’s Absa Stadium on Saturday.
It was the best Bulldogs display of guts and passion the entire season and although they faced a massive second half onslaught from the big Griffons pack after leading 27-13 at the break, their will to win saw them through.
Playing scintillating rugby despite a wet ball, the Bulldogs ran in four first-half tries to secure their bonus point, the best of these going to flyhalf Russell Jeacocks who rounded off a brilliant three-man attack sparked by dynamic right wing Vuyo Zangqa.
Unfortunately for the Griffons, they saw their tough loosehead prop Sarel Louw red carded just before the break after he flattened Bulldogs tighthead Brett Nel.
The Bulldogs also had replacement lock Lungelo Payi yellow carded in the second half while their lock Stephan Britz was stretchered off in the first half with a neck injury.
The forward exchanges were always fierce and both sides endeavoured to play winning rugby which was appreciated by the small crowd. – Sapa