EP come from behind to beat Boland

Published Sep 28, 2002

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Wellington, South Africa - The Eastern Province rugby team came a step closer to the semifinals of the Bankfin Cup when they came from behind to beat Boland 41-35 in Wellington.

Boland took control of the match right from the start and the players enjoyed drinks with the score on 28-10 in the home team's favour.

Boland dominated the tight phases and scrumhalf Cassie Carstens kept the Elephants guessing at all times with scintillating breaks around the scrums and impressive tactical kicking.

Boland's fullback Leon van den Heever also looked dangerous every time he touched the ball and proved his worth with the boot by converting five tries including his own five-pointer.

EP stuck to the game plan that claimed the scalps of the Blue Bulls, Border and now the Boland in three successive outings. In the first half it seemed as if the game plan was doomed, but after the break they came out with renewed vigour and the old recipe paid off.

The Elephants' tight five slowly found their feet and, with flanker Wayne van Heerden at the spearhead, they took the ball up the middle of the field through three or four quick phases before sending it wide to their speedy wingers Paul Treu and Fabian Juries.

Juries enjoyed a great game and scored two tries in quick succession in the second half to bring the EP back into contention while full back Brett Hennessey's trustworthy boot ensured that the visitors eventually got their noses ahead.

Scorers:

EP:

Tries: Fabian Juries (wing, 2), Clinton van Rensburg (flyhalf), Luke Watson (flank), Brett Hennessey (fullback)

Conversions: Hennessey (5)

Penalties: Hennessey (2).

Boland:

Tries: Antonius Verhoeven (wing, 2), Leon van den Heever (fullback), Vion Wium (lock), Henley du Plessis (flank)

Conversions: Van den Heever (5). - Sapa

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