In a ding-dong battle, the Pumas sneaked home 27-25 in an exciting Currie Cup first division rugby match against Eastern Province on the Uitenhage Central field on Saturday afternoon, after trailing 20-17 at halftime.
There was little to choose between the two sides throughout the 80 minutes. The Pumas dug deep in the second half and this probably paved the way for their narrow but deserved victory.
The first try of the match was most impressive, with EP flyhalf Jaco van Schalkwyk (ex-Lions) breaking the line splendidly before linking up with centre Alfonso Pietersen, who forced his way over.
Fullback Ryan Brown converted. The Pumas, however, were not to be outdone and hit back soon afterwards with a penalty by wing Braam Pretorius.
It was then the turn of speedy wing Howard Noble who put the home side further ahead when he rounded off a fine movement to beat a few defenders to score.
Brown converted. But the Pumas continued to come back strongly and tries by centre Tiaan Marx and left wing Allistair Kettledas, with Pretorius converting both, enabled them to take the lead.
Two penalties by fullback Brown enabled EP to take a three-point lead into the second half. The second half followed much the same pattern as the first, but a decisive try by replacement Shaun Venter paved the way for the Pumas victory with Pretorius succeeding with a penalty and the conversion.
A late unconverted try by fullback Brown put EP back into contention, but he failed with the conversion and then also with a penalty attempt off the final kick of the match and this allowed the Pumas to collect the valuable points.
The match was splendidly handled by Jonathan Kaplan.
Final Score Pumas 27 Eastern Province 25
Scorers :
EP:
Tries: Pietersen, Noble and Brown.
Penalties: Brown (2),
Conversions Brown (2)
PUMAS:
Tries: Marx, Kettledas and Venter.
Penalties Pretorius (2)
Conversions Pretorius (3)
