African Bombers claimed a narrow win over their host Trying Stars in their Eastern Cape Super 14 encounter on Saturday. It was an enterprising 25-22 win for the high riding visitors in Alexandria, where the weather was glorious for running rugby.
Trying Stars, playing with the experienced duo of EP flank Diego Williams and scrumhalf Kelvano King, trailed 20-12 at half-time but scored 10 unanswered points late in the second half to set up a thrilling finish before the full-time siren.
Bombers came out fired up for the second half and tries from No 8 Xola Caga, and lock Bongani Ngqolomne seemingly had secured the victory for visitors but Stars had other ideas as they responded with two tries of their own from fullback Lyle Julies and prop Mawethu Noqayi to set up an exciting finish in Alexandria.
“We are happy with the win and some new guys stepped up on debut this afternoon and I’m proud of their effort and how they handled the pressure and they can only get better from here,” Bomber coach Zola Coto said.
“Stars put us under serious pressure in the end and they were very good with the ball in hand, but I think we responded well and controlled the game from the onset,” added Coto.
Bombers are still on top of group A after winning all three of their matches in the competition so far, while Stars remain second last after losing both their matches so far.
Here are all super 14 scores for the third round of the competition.
EC Super 14 3rd Round Results:
Trying Stars 22-25 Bombers
Gardens 18-21 Swallows
Police 22-16 Old Selbornians
Ncerha 7-24 Progress
Harlequins 35-17 Park
Black Eagles 8-33 Young Leopards