Unbeaten log leaders GWK Griquas return to Absa Currie Cup Premier Division qualifying action on Saturday, when they host the Valke at GWK Park in Kimberley.
Griquas enjoyed a bye the past weekend, following their narrow win over the Steval Pumas in a friendly last Wednesday. This break allowed the Leopards to close the gap to just one point at the top of the standings.
Leopards moved to 17 league points after their massive 70-25 victory over the Down Touch Griffons, and GWK Griquas (18) will be looking to collect the maximum points from their home match against the fifth placed Valke to maintain their slender lead. SWD Eagles are third on 15 points, followed by the Boland Cavaliers (12), Valke (10), Down Touch Griffons (8) and Border Bulldogs (2).
The final round of matches will take place next weekend.
Valke gave the Boland a lot of trouble before the Cavaliers could finally clinched their match last week in Kempton Park, thereby serving notice they will be no pushovers in Kimberley.
Coach Robert du Preez’s free-scoring Leopards face a difficult task at Wellington against Boland. Leopards were in rampant mood last weekend, when they posted a runaway victory over Griffons. A lively match is expected, because both teams have exciting backs.
Leopards backline probably have the edge and the Boland defence will have to be solid to keep out the attacking threats of Junior Springbok wings Luther Obi and Sylvian Mahuza as well as fullback Hoffman Maritz. Former Springbok flyhalf Andre Pretorius from Alberton will captain the Leopards in the number 10 jersey.
Boland and SWD Eagles have both played five matches, and although out of contention, the Cavaliers will be looking to finish the qualifying campaign on a high note in front of their home supporters.
This clash kicks off at 14:30 and will be televised live on SuperSport1. Eagles have a break this weekend.
Border Bulldogs entertain the Valke in the BCM Stadium in East London on Friday evening (18:00). Last placed Border came close to victory in their previous two matches and they will be desperate to register their first win of the competition.
Absa Currie Cup Premier Division Qualifying fixtures – Round 5:
Friday July 11
Border Bulldogs vs Down Touch Griffons
Venue: BCM Stadium, East London
Kick-off: 18:00
Saturday July 12
Boland Cavaliers vs Leopards
Venue: Boland Stadium, Wellington
Kick-off: 14:30
Live on SuperSport1
GWK Griquas vs Valke
Venue: GWK Park, Kimberley
Kick-off: 15:00
Top points scorers
Jaun Kotze (Valke) 63
Andre Pretorius (Leopards) 47
Eric Zana (Boland Cavaliers) 45
Masixole Banda (Border Bulldogs) 33
Top try scorers
5 – Norman Nelson (Down Touch Griffons), Sylvian Mahuza (Leopards)
4 – Eric Zana (Boland Cavaliers), Carel Greeff (GWK Griquas), Dwayne Kelly (SWD Eagles), Juan Language (Leopards), Luther Obi (Leopards), Marnus Schoeman (GWK Griquas), Riaan Arends (Valke).
