NMMU dig deep to beat Crusaders, maintain winning streak
NELSON Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) had to dig deep to overcome a resilient Caltex Crusaders outfit 31-20 in their EP Grand Challenge rugby clash at the university's South Campus at the weekend.
The students made their intentions known early in the game and drew first blood, but Saders did not take that lying down and hit back with points of their own.
However, it was NMMU who enjoyed a narrow 14-10 lead at the interval. In the second stanza, both sides pushed forward for victory.
Despite eventually going down, Saders were never outclassed by the strong students, although NMMU did enough to keep their winning streak.
ýProgress ran in seven tries against Kruisfontein to register an easy 49-6 win at the Uitenhage Central field. The Eastern Cape Super 12 silver medallists were in a try-scoring mood as they wasted no time in getting on the scoreboard in the one-sided affair.
The Uitenhage side were in control of the game from the start, leading 42-6 after 40 minutes.
In the second half, the home side took their feet off the pedal as they only scored one converted try.
This was the second consecutive loss for the Humansdorp outfit after going down 19-14 against the Brumbies.
ýAt the Grahamstown Oval, the Brumbies beat Spring Rose 37-33 in a game of two halves.
The thrilling clash lived up to expectations as both sides went for broke from the outset.
Rose, who were determined to get back to their winning ways after losing against PE SAPS, were in the driver's seat at the interval as they led 21-8.
However, the second half was a different story as the home side came back with some clinical play in a game where each side scored five tries.
- At Londt Park, Gardens edged Park 24-23.
Park increased their lead to 20-9 with nine minutes to go, but the visitors managed to steal it in the closing stages. - Mkhululi Ndamase
