Epic clash looms in Despatch

THE WJ de Wet Stadium in Despatch should host a good crowd when giants Gap Despatch and the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) square off in a titanic EP Grand Challenge encounter tomorrow.

Both teams go into the clash with a 100% winning record and would be eager to maintain it in a game that is expected to produce fireworks.

Whenever these two outfits clash, the game always lives up to expectations. Perhaps the students go into arguably the game of the weekend with momentum on their side after they were tested to the limit by Caltex Crusaders in their last outing, before winning the match at South Campus.

Despatch on the other hand, had a day off after Harlequins did not pitch for their game.

Both sides boast strong and physical forwards and the team that seizes its opportunities will emerge victorious.

And the New Brighton Oval will be the scene of another tough encounter, when Spring Rose play host to Progress.

The home side will be aiming to pull off a win against Uitenhage-based Progress after their loss to the Brumbies.

The New Brighton team were stunned by PE SAPS two weeks ago and will be hoping to make an example of the Eastern Cape Super 12 silver medallists, but Spring Rose will have to bring their A-game along with them as Progress are fresh from demolishing Kruisfontein 49-6 last weekend.

Progress will have to guard against complacency however, as they could be punished if they think they will walk over Rose like they did the Humansdorp side.

In another match, Caltex Crusaders play Park at the Saders field.

Both outfits are coming off losses last weekend and will be keen to get back to winning ways.

Saders went down 31-20 to NMMU, while Park were narrowly beaten 24-23 by Gardens at Londt Park.

Both teams have been playing good rugby but have been inconsistent and admittedly, did not have the bounce of the ball go their way. They will aim to rectify that starting with tomorrow's showdown.

And in another clash, Gardens will battle it out with the Brumbies in Rosedale.

After a rough patch losing three games, Gardens turned their fortunes around last weekend with that hard-fought win over Park.

Brumbies' confidence is also sky-high after beating Spring Rose in their last game and will be hoping to put the Eastern Cape Super 12 champions to the sword.

At Kemsley Park, PE SAPS would want to further sink struggling Quins.

On paper, the policemen should easily beat the northern areas side, who have only managed a single victory in six games.

But the former Eastern Cape Super 12 and Sevens champions are capable of punishing any team that underestimate them.

African Bombers travel to the Humansdorp Country Club to play against Kruisfontein.

The Zwide outfit which last played competitively three weeks ago, would fancy their chances against the home side, following the thrashing they received at the hands of Progress.

But Kruisfontein, who are like wounded lions, would not want to lose two games on the trot.

Kick-off is at 3.30pm in all games. - Mkhululi Ndamase