The Boland Kavaliers beat the SWD Eagles 34-26 in their Vodacom Cup clash in Worcester on Friday, while there were also wins for the Valke and Blue Bulls.
The match got off to a blistering start through a first-minute try in the corner by outside centre Wilneth Engelbrecht, which fullback Eric Zana converted to put the hosts 7-0 ahead before the players had broken a sweat.
The Eagles, though, struck back with two tries by wingers Alshaun Bock and Hentzwill Pedro. The latter collected a deft grubber and raced into the corner to score. Fullback Elric van Vuuren missed his first conversion but made amends, converting his second attempt to put SWD 12-7 ahead.
But the Kavaliers took control of the match and responded with scores by winger Harlon Klaasen and centre Edwin Sass, while Zana struck a penalty to give his team a 22-12 lead at the break.
Boland secured the bonus point in the 44th minute with Engelbrecht grabbing his second, before SWD replacement prop Nemo Roelofse bulldozed his way over the line and Van Vuuren's conversion reduced the Eagles' deficit to eight points.
Sass completed his brace to put the result beyond the visitors' reach as Bock's second try of the night only served to add respectability to the scoreline.
Elsewhere, the Valke claimed their first win of the season when they downed the Griffons 38-17 in Welkom, while the Blue Bulls thrashed Nambia's Welwitschias 44-0 in Windhoek.
Boland Kavaliers (34) – Tries: Wilneth Engelbrecht (2), Harlon Klaasen, Edwin Sass (2). Conversions: Eric Zana (3). Penalty: Zana.
SWD Eagles (26) – Tries: Alshaun Bock (2), Hentzwill Pedro, Nemo Roelofse. Conversions: Elric van Vuuren (2), Gerrit Smith.
Valke (38) – Tries: Arno Poley (2), Dean Muir, Juan Kotze, Ernst Ladendorf, Andrew van Wyk. Conversions: Juan Kotze (4)
Griffons (17) – Tries: Martin Sithole, Oswill Nortje. Conversions: Louis Strydom (2). Penalty: Strydom.
Welwitschias (0)
Blue Bulls (44) – Tries: Roelof Smit (2), Marquit September, Kefentse Mahlo, Corniel Els (2), Kobus Marais. Conversions: Marais (2), Tinus de Beer. Penalty: Marais.
Photo: Luke Walker/GalloImages
