Bulldogs beat Pumas

2008-09-06 11:03

East London - In a remarkable game of rugby on Friday night, the Border Bulldogs turned a 30-10 half-time deficit against the Pumas into a thrilling 45-40 win in their Currie Cup first division match at East London's Absa Stadium.

Deadlocked at 40-40 with the hooter having sounded, a third try by fullback Russell Jeacocks sealed the Bulldogs' win.

It was an exceptional game in that, with the wind in the first half, the Pumas dominated both in possession and territorially, notching up four tries in the process.

But the Bulldogs came out with purpose after the break and, after 15 minutes, had closed the gap to 10 points at 33-23 from two penalties and a conversion by centre Jeffrey Taljaard and a try to Jeacocks set up by centre Thabo Ratyana.

A good converted try to Pumas' centre Jovan Botha then had his side 40-23 ahead with 13 minutes remaining and it was then that the Bulldogs stepped up a gear or two with Jeacocks scoring his second try and another going to replacement wing Luthando Mondliwa against the run of play, making it 40-37.

Then, just when a draw seemed the likely result following a successful Taljaard penalty, the Bulldogs' lock and captain Andries Kruger broke clear from a ruck from 40 metres out and, when tackled, found Jeacocks up in support for the winning try.

Points scorers:

Bulldogs: Tries: Patrick Mulamba, Russell Jeacocks (3), Luthando Mondliwa. Conversions: Jeffrey Taljaard (4). Penalties: Taljaard (4).

Pumas: Tries: Shaun Venter, Duncan Naude, Rudi Voight (2), Jovan Botha. Conversions: Voight (3). Penalties: Voight (3).

- SAPA