Leopards overpower Pumas

2008-09-20 07:23

Witbank - The Leopards recorded their biggest score of the season when they ran in eleven tries in Witbank on Friday night to trounce the Pumas 77-29. The outside backs had a field day running in eight of the tries.

Wingers Vuyo Zangqa and Colin Lloyd each recorded a hat-trick while outside centre Deon van Rensburg crossed the goal-line twice.

Only one of the 11 tries was scored by the forwards - a solo try by flanker Christo van Niekerk, who injured his shoulder in the process.

The top scorer in the First League, Leopards flyhalf Clayton Durand, converted seven of the tries and kicked a drop goal for a tally of 17 points.

New fullback Marvin Swartbooi scored a try on his Currie Cup run-on debut and kicked a conversion.

The Pumas scored two tries in the dying minutes to secure a bonus point for four tries, which should keep them in the hunt for the semis.

Ironically, the two teams might meet in one of the semi's in a fortnight in Potchefstroom.

New captain Riaan Swanepoel was outstanding and flyhalf Durand impressed with his all-round play and setting up the try-fest.

Scorers:
Leopards: Tries: Vuyo Zangqa (3), Colin Lloyd (3), Deon van Rensburg (2), Chris Erasmus, Marvin Swartbooi, Christo van Niekerk. Conversions: Clayton Durand (7), Swartbooi. Penalty: Durand. Drop goal: Zangqa.
Pumas: Tries: Dawie Steyn, Morne Kruger, Johan van Heerden, Christiaan Els.
Conversions: Rudi Vogt (3). Penalty: Vogt.

- SAPA