Policemen keen to be in Community Cup

THE battle lines have been drawn, the coaches have prepared their teams and now it is up to the players to deliver on the pitch when PE SAPS lock horns with Evergreen in a Cell C Community Cup qualifying game at Kemsley Park tomorrow.

With only the South Western District outfit standing in the way of the policemen and a spot in the national competition, the hosts are expected to hit the ground running in what is arguably their most important clash of the season.

The Port Elizabeth side have been a marvel to watch in this campaign with a never-say-die attitude and a willingness to fight for one another in some scintillating showings.

Tomorrow's game should be no different, as the cops are eager to finish the season the way they started it – on a positive note. They are also boosted by the return of three pivotal players – flyhalf Justin Peach, inside centre Alwyn Jordaan and outside centre Echardt Jacobs, who all passed late fitness tests after hamstring injuries.

Historically, EP rugby teams have had the better of their Border and SWD counterparts, but complacency and relying on statistics might be troublesome for the bullying hosts.

There will be no room for any mistakes as 100% concentration will be paramount.

Evergreen are also eager to make history by qualifying for the cup and being the second side to represent the Eastern Cape alongside former champions Gap Despatch.

Despatch automatically qualified after finishing at the summit of the EP Grand Challenge – a qualifying tournament for the cup.

Kick-off is at 3pm. - Mkhululi Ndamase