Tight finish to 2006 U 23

In the closest finish in years, only 2 points seperate the 6 teams in the A section.

With all 3 match ups containing an element of victory and relegation to play for, the final days play at Somerset West could not have been scripted.

In yesterdays play, Western Province lost to Gauteng North thereby falling to the bottom of the log and being in danger of relegation. The victory for Gauteng North however was a subdued one, as news of personal tragedy concerning the Western Province manager was made known. Our thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family in these times.

In other matches, Boland beat log leaders Southern Cape by 7.5 – 4.5 and KwaZulu-Natal was beaten 7 – 5 by Central Gauteng. As the log stands, Southern Cape hold a 1 point advantage over KwaZulu Natal, Gauteng North and Boland (who are all tied on game count) and Central Gauteng. Western Province will fight to stay in the A section as they stand on 3 points from their 4 games.

In the B section, Free State & Northern Cape, in a battle for the top of the log, thrashed Mpumalanga by a 10.5 – 1.5 margin to move to the top of the log and now hold a 1 point advantage over Mpumalanga. Dolphins, courtesy of a 6.5 – 5.5 win over Limpopo move into 3rd spot ahead of Ekurhuleni after Ekurhuleni defeated North West Province 7 – 5.