Kavaliers consolidate second place despite defeat by Sharks

The Sanlam Boland Kavaliers remain in the second place on the Carling Currie Cup log despite falling short against the Hollywoodbets Sharks XV in Pietermaritzburg, 33-31

With a minute left, Boland took the lead for the first time following a James Tedder 77th-minute penalty to put them 31-30 up. Despite the loss, the Wellington side remains in the hunt for the semi-final spot.

Captain Thurlow Marsh, however, said afterwards his team was not good enough on the day, especially after conceding a 17-7 half-time lead and again having to dig deep to fight back in the second half.

After converted tries by Jacques Marais and Albie Bester, the hosts put the Kavas on the back foot. They replied through a Sauliegh Arendse score just before half-time, with Tedder adding the extras.

Jean Smith’s penalty, however, made sure the Sharks had a 10-point buffer going into the break, 17-7. Smith picked up where he left off in the opening stanza, slotting another penalty, putting the home side ahead by two scores, 20-7.

Marais’ second five-pointer for the home side, however, put Boland under more scoreboard pressure. Still, it did not faze coach Hawies Fourie’s men, who worked themselves back into a scoring position for prop Dayan van der Westhuizen to dive over from close range.

Smith’s third successful penalty then made it 30-21 for the Sharks with less than 20 minutes to play. Boland, however, hit back with their fourth and bonus point try as HP van Schoor crashed over. Another attacking foray then saw Tedder line up a penalty attempt at goal. He converted, handing the Kavas the lead for the first time in the Round Six encounter.

Unfortunately, a lack of concentration in the dying moments cost the visitors, who now sit on 23 points and face neighbours DHL WP next week, where it will be all to play for as Boland hunt that semi-final spot.

Score

Hollywoodbets Sharks XV 33 (17) - Tries: Jacques Marais (2), Albie Bester; Conversions: Jean Smith (3); Penalties: Smith (3), Siya Masuku.

Sanlam Boland Kavaliers 31 (7) - Tries: Sauliegh Arendse, Donovan Don, Dayan van der Wethuizen, HP van Schoor; Conversions: James Tedder (4); Penalty: Tedder.