Key matches at Super 14 event not played

Expanded tournament proves to be challenging logistically, hence the postponements

Embarrassed organisers of the troubled EC Super 14 club rugby tournament were forced to apologise for a second week in a row, after key matches scheduled for Saturday were postponed because of complicated logistical reasons.

The fixtures which fell victim to last-minute postponements were the eagerly-awaited Ntlaza Lions versus George Crusaders clash and Old Selbornians versus East Rand United showdown.

This latest setback comes after the showpiece clash between East Rand United and champions Progress was postponed for similar reasons on the opening day of the tournament on January 21.

Explaining the postponements EC Sports Confederation general secretary Sibongile Fondini said: “The expanded tournament has proven to be challenging logistically so we decided to postpone games involving guest teams (East Rand United of Boksburg and George Crusaders).

“We realise the frustration and inconvenience this is causing players and all stakeholders.

“We are working hard to ensure we deliver the tournament as initially promised.”

From the outset, reservations were expressed about expanding the already successful tournament. Saturday’s postponements will not sit well with some clubs who are critical of the expansion.

In the buildup to the tournament, the Super 14 steering committee said they wanted their tournament to rival the Varsity Cup and Currie Cup as one of SA’S top domestic tournaments. However, the postponement of matches and failure to deliver branded match day kit has robbed the regional tournament of much of its gloss. With a handsome R100,000 cash prize on offer to the winners, the revamped Super 14 has the potential to help club rugby players enjoy the taste of a semi-professional environment.

We realise the frustration and inconvenience this is causing players and all stakeholder

While boardroom issues continue to blight the event, topranked teams Progress and Harlequins showed they are back in business and hungry for honours when they won hardfought battles on Saturday.

After enduring the irritation of sitting on the sidelines last week, champions Progress had to overturn a half-time deficit before beating Ncera Leopards 20-14.

There were some anxious moments for the champions who trailed 7-5 at the break against a fired-up Leopards side who had hoped to pull off an upset victory.

After slipping to a narrow defeat in their opening game against EL Police, a chastened Harlequins side bounced back to beat Kirkwood 18-12 in another ding-dong battle.

Cheered on by a partisan home crowd at the Adcock Stadium, Harlequins held on against the plucky visitors who took the fight to the home side.

Newcomers Jeffreys Bay made it two wins out of two when they roared to a convincing 23-6 win over Young Leopards.

The “Surfer Boys” once again showed they will be difficult to beat on their home ground with their enterprising brand of running rugby.

After beating Ncerha Leopards in their opening game, Gardens were beaten 22-15 by Kruisfontein United who made a fast start to the new season.

After kicking their campaign off with a convincing 29-3 win over Moonlight last week Kruisfontein produced an impressive display on the road.

Park were another team who recorded back-to-back wins to enhance their play-off credentials.

After beating Old Selbornians at their Londt Park fortress on the opening day of the season, Park powered to an impressive 26-7 win over Moonlight at the Soto Sports Fields at Mooiplaas.

EL Police provided further proof that they will be among the frontrunners to advance to the knockout stage when they beat Swallows 12-6.

Saturday’s results: Jeffreys Bay 23 Young Leopards 6, Harlequins 18 Kirkwood 12, Swallows 6 EL Police 12, Moonlight 7 Park 26, Ncerha Leopards 14 Progress 20, Gardens 15 Kruisfontein 22.

Postponed: Old Selbornians v East Rand United, Ntlaza Lions v George Crusaders.