Progress thump tired Park side

A RUTHLESS Progress ran in 10 tries to claim an emphatic 62-15 win over Park in a one-sided President's Cup rugby match at the Uitenhage Central Field at the weekend.

The hosts wasted no time in getting on the scoreboard and announced their intentions early in the group A game. Park, who have been at the receiving end of some heavy defeats in the last two months, tried to hold their own but were simply outplayed.

The Uitenhage side, who have not been performing at their best in recent weeks, rose to the occasion and dominated from first to last whistle. Progress's fitness was evident as most of their tries were from long-distance and Park could not keep up with the pace of the encounter.

At the Grahamstown Oval, it was a case of history repeating itself when the Brumbies broke Spring Rose's hearts with a late converted try.

The group B clash was riddled with errors as both sides showed signs of being rusty after weeks of not playing competitively. But after the teams picked up momentum, play opened up but neither side wanted to budge going to the break. Rose led 16-9 at the interval.

The home outfit clawed their way back into the game and reduced the deficit to 16-14 with only a few minutes left. As in their previous encounter, the New Brighton side were punished for a lapse in concentration with a try under the poles.

The game between Harlequins and PE SAPS never took place as the policemen joined the sides who withdrew from the cup. - Mkhululi Ndamase