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EP the kings in Wellington
The Eastern Province Kings won the battle of the Currie Cup’s First Division heavyweights as they downed Boland 33-22 (halftime 19-15) in an entertaining match at the Boland Stadium on Saturday.
While the Kings were their own worst enemy at times with some injudicious kicks that kept Boland in the game, they thoroughly deserved this bonus-point victory.
Tighthead prop Riaan Vermeulen struck the decisive blow under Boland’s posts on the hour after a lengthy spell in which they dominated territory and possession. They try came after a powerful run by flanker Jacques Potgieter.
Boland were outgunned, but stayed in the game longer than they should have thanks to their ability to counter-attack.
Donald Stevens and Jaco van Schalkwyk both paid the price for poor kicks upfield. Boland No 8 Zandré Jordaan carried the ball up well on both occasions and played a key role in setting up tries for Jeremy Plaatjies and PJ Vermeulen.
The latter’s try just before half time got Boland back within striking distance after tries by Wayne Stevens and Pietie Ferreira had given the visitors a handy 19-10 lead.
The Kings, coached by former Stormers mentor Alan Solomons, were firmly back in control early in the second half thanks to a try by No 8 Darron Nell.
But once again Boland mustered a reply, with wing Cornal Hendricks finishing off an impressive team effort.
Rather than that being the beginning of an impressive Boland fightback, however, the Kings regained their grip on the game. They were utterly dominant and it came as no surprise when a powerful run by Potgieter ultimately set up Vermeulen’s try.
Apart from Potgieter, fullback Tiger Mangweni and Stevens also impressed on the attack for the Kings.
Jordaan was arguably Boland’s best player, with veteran lock Hottie Louw also catching the eye for the home side.
Scorers:
Boland 22
EP Kings 33 – Tries: Wayne Stevens, Pietie Ferreira, Darron Nell, Riaan Vermeulen. Conversions: Justin Peach, Mzwandile Stick. Penalties: Peach (3).
