53570 fans watched Kings

AN average crowd of more than 10000 fans watched each of the EP Kings' five home matches in the Currie Cup Premier Division despite the team struggling to keep their heads above water.

The best crowd of the season turned up for the opening game of the season when 20564 fans flocked to watch the Kings play Western Province at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

At the end of the season a total of 53570 fans had watched the Kings in action in five matches in the Currie Cup in Port Elizabeth.

Hopes had been high that the Kings would be able to spring a surprise win in their return to the top flight of SA rugby after a 12-year absence when they played Western Province.

The Kings, however, slumped to a 35-16 defeat which turned out to be the first of nine consecutive defeats.

Despite the opening day defeat, 9034 fans turned up to watch the Kings play the Lions and then 13400 supporters were at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium to watch them play against the Bulls.

Despite a losing sequence, 5988 fans watched them play the Cheetahs and 4584 attended their last game of the season against the Pumas.

It was against the Pumas that the Kings clinched their first win of the season and Kings head coach Carlos Spencer was delighted that his team had pulled through for their loyal home fans.

"It was important to get that win because the supporters have stuck with us throughout the season. We showed this team is not a bunch of quitters," Spencer said after the Pumas clash.

Ahead of their Currie Cup campaign, a healthy 15000 midweek crowd turned up to watch the Kings play an international friendly against Wales.

Including the Wales match, a total of 68570 watched the Kings play in Port Elizabeth. - George Byron