Poor discipline proved to be a stumbling block for Border U21 as they went down 31-24 to SWD in their SA Rugby U21 Shield game at Sisa Dukashe in Mdantsane on Friday.
The Baby Bulldogs took a 12-0 lead at halftime, but three yellow cards against Elihle Mtshemla, Alizwa Majila and Sibabalwe Mtshini set them back.
The loss was Border’s second of the competition, meaning they need to win almost all their remaining games to make the knockout stages.
In the match played in breezy conditions in Mdantsane, Milhlali Noheyeka, Alizwa Majila, Xhobani Sithatho and Sinalo Jivana were the try scorers for Border.
But that was not enough to get them over the line.
Of their three remaining games, two matches will be on the road, against EP in Gqeberha and SWD in George.
They also have a home match against Boland, which will be a tough hurdle to clear given recent results.
In another game, flying Boland Cavaliers U21 wing Patwin van der Merwe scored four scintillating tries when his team overpowered the EP Elephants 63-36.
Defending champions Boland, who held a narrow 21-17 halftime lead, exerted their dominance in the second half to run out convincing winners at the NMU Madibaz Stadium.
The Bolanders, who showed enterprise on attack, outscored the home team by nine tries to five to record their second win of the campaign.
EP’s try scorers were Sean van Zijl (2), Ethan Olckersm, Somila Yakayaka and Lyle Meintjies.
Thanks to their win, Boland top the log with a full house of 10 points after two outings, and EP have earned six points from the same number of games.
Coach Shaun “Trok” Oliver and skipper Dewald Gerber will have to lift the mood in the EP camp before a tricky home clash against regional rivals the Border Bulldogs on Saturday.
A venue and kickoff time for this clash have still to be announced by EP officials.
Top of the list of areas to work on for EP will be a leaky defence, which was found wanting against the Bolanders. — Additional reporting by George Byron
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