Despatch recover to run rampant over Gardens in 51-16 victory

A RUTHLESS Gap Despatch ran in eight tries to embarrass and outclass Gardens 51-16 in a one-sided EP Grand Challenge encounter in Despatch at the weekend.

The home side went into the game as favourites after convincingly winning their previous games against Caltex Crusaders and PE SAPS, and took that form into Saturday's game.

The game started off very slowly with very few scoring opportunities in the opening 40 minutes.

Gardens led 9-8 at the break.

But the second half was a totally different story as Despatch came back with guns blazing after a tongue-lashing from their coaching staff at the half-time break.

For the Eastern Cape Super 12 champions, this was their third consecutive loss after going down against struggling Harlequins and the bullying NMMU.

The Rosedale side, which can beat any side on the day, were never in the game and were dominated and bullied around by the former Cell C Community Cup champions.

At Kemsley Park, PE SAPS edged Spring Rose 35-24.

The game lived up to expectations and started at a frantic pace.

The home side attacked and defended well in the early stages of the clash.

They made their intentions clear early on in the game and led 17-3 at half time. The first of four tries in the bonus-point victory came courtesy of Rose's mistakes.

In the second half, play opened up with both sides having a go at the other.

Spring Rose, who wanted to make it two wins in a row after being victorious against Park in their last match, threatened to get back in the game, but the home outfit had other ideas.

The New Brighton side played more as a unit in the second stanza and managed to score 21 points, but a further 18 points for PE SAPS sealed the victory. - Mkhululi Ndamase