Limpopo bully Border CD

Three first half tries, along with two successful conversions ensured a 19-3 half-time lead, with Border CD's only points coming via a penalty late in the half. Two early second scores ended the match as a contest, although credit must go to Border CD for showing plenty of fight.

It was a tough start to the game as both side arm-wrestled for the opening 10 minutes, with Border CD being pinned inside their half for most of the time. Border CD were proving tough to crack.

Limpopo's frustrations grew in the 17th minute when a try was overturned and instead, Ruben Koekemoer was shown a yellow card for an earlier infringement. However, the frustration turned to joy two minutes later when Stephen Nel spotted an opening to grab the opening try of the match.

Pieter Kruger converted to hand Limpopo a -0 lead after 20 minutes.

Three minutes later and Nyiko Makamu showed his strength to bash his way over the line. Kruger failed with the conversion but Limpopo's lead was stretched to 12-0. Limpopo had their tails up and stretched their lead to 19 points with their third try of the match.

They set up a rolling maul five metres from Border CD's try line and the Eastern Cape side stood off, to allow Tyron Thomson to dot down unopposed. Kruger added the extras with a well struck conversion from close to the touchline.

Border CD got their first points of the match in the 34th minute thanks to a successful Litha Nkula penalty from about 30 metres. That proved to be the final points of the half as Limpopo held a 19-3 lead at the break.

The start of the second half was characterised by numerous handling errors from both teams but it would be Limpopo to open the half's scoring. Jannie Jordaan benefiting from a neat inside pass to score. Kruger missed the routine conversion though as Limpopo's lead stretched to 24-3 after 48 minutes.

Limpopo found their groove from that point and grabbed try number five when Danny Mokhoabane chased down a well-weighted box kick to score under the uprights. Masedi Manamela took over the kicking duties and slotted the conversion to hand Limpopo a 31-3 lead after 52 minutes.

The match began to fizzle out from that point but there was time for one last Limpopo try when Mokhoabane stepped his way through Border CD's defence for a brilliant double. Manamela added the extras to ensure a 38-3 lead with two minutes remaining.

Border CD looked to grab a consolation score in the remaining time but Limpopo stood firm to leave their opponents try-less.

Scorers:

For Limpopo Blue Bulls:

Tries: Stephen Nel, Nyiko Makamu, Tyron Thomson, Jannie Jordaan, Danny Mokhoabane 2

Cons: Pieter Kruger 2, Masedi Manamela 2

For Border CD:

Pens: Litha Nkula

Yellow card: Ruben Koekemoer (Limpopo Blue Bulls, 17)

Teams:

Limpopo Blue Bulls: Jannie Jordaan, Nyiko Given Makamu, Thsepo Junior Masakale, Welmer Pieterse, Clifford Maurice Sekgobela, Ruben Koekemoer, Stefan Engelbrecht, Tyron John Thomson, Eduan Smit, Pieter Jacobus Kruger, Chrizaan Strauss, Muzi Nyakane, Stephen Nel, Masedi Tony Manamela, Danny Mokhoabane,  Bernard Hardy Vermaak, Itumeleng Mononyane, Barend Lombard, Matthew Maboe Sekele, Zander Human, Wernich Kachelhoffer, Noko Malatjie, Jan Coertze.

Border CD: Ayabonga Mntonintshi, Sanga Gulwa, Sixolile Mapoloba, Sinovuyo Bali, Likhona Simoyi, Pumezo Kanzi, Siviwe Ngqono, Bonisile Mapongwana, Yanga Mcaphukana, Kwaziwe Sigaqa, Kwanele Lunika, Gacula Poswa, Siphosoxolo Dlongodlongo, Litha Nkula, Sonwabise Batyi, Liyasa Emihe Kauleza, Gergard Pretorious, Sinethemba Stephen, Athenkosi Mabandla, Khanya Sikrenya, Tabiso Stenge, Luyolo Gwarube.

Referee: Mpho Matsaung

Assistant referees: Local, Ruhan Meiring

TMO: Lourens van der Merwe