eShowe take Stewart Shield

ONE can only feel for the eSikhaleni rugby team.

They had done everything they needed to do in their Stewart Shield campaign.

They were at the top of the log, but their fortunes were still dependent on Friday night’s clash between eShowe and Empangeni.

eShowe had the tough task of having to win with a bonus point to dislodge eSikhaleni from the top.

This they achieved, ending eSikhaleni’s dream of another cup victory to add to the Bozas Cup won earlier this season.

eShowe ran in seven tries, four of which were converted, while Empangeni replied with one unconverted try.

Both teams had to sit out three weeks with no game time owing to byes, cancellations and postponements, and this showed in some of the play.

eShowe were the dominant side and kept the scoreboard ticking over at regular intervals in the first half.

At the break they were 31-0 ahead with five tries, of which two were not converted, but more importantly had their bonus point in the bag.

eShowe took their foot off the accelerator in the second half, scoring another two tries, of which one was not converted, adding 12 points to their tally.

Empangeni managed to score a solitary try and the match ended on 435 to eShowe.

eShowe try scorers were Gideon Meyer, Pugema Biyela (2), Gladwel Maduna, Theo Mthalane, Francois Wahl and Mabusa Sphephelo.

Maduna slotted four conversions, while Keta Masinga scored for Empangeni.