Merciless Sharks blow hapless EP Kings off the park at a rainy Kings Park

17 September 2016 - 19:30 By Khanyiso Tshwaku

The Sharks blanked the Eastern Province Kings 53-0 at a rainy Durban to keep the Currie Cup play-off race neatly poised.The Sharks are tied on 25 points with the Bulls as the second-place plot thickens with the Durban side second on the log on points difference.In abysmal conditions‚ the Sharks drilled in four first half tries from Andre Esterhuizen‚ Chilliboy Ralepelle‚ Jean-luc du Preez and Inny Radebe.While the middle tries were a result of the Sharks' physical dominance‚ Radebe's 31st minute try was a piece of magic that started with Curwin Bosch.The young fullback collected a misplaced kick from Kings flyhalf Pieter-Steyn de Wet just inside the Sharks' half and darted past would-be tacklers before offloading to the diminutive Radebe. Ralepelle's 13th minute score and Du Preez's touchdown five minutes later came from rolling mauls.Esterhuizen's 4th minute opener was a result of the Sharks running excellent running lines despite the driving rain.The try scoring continued in the second half as the forwards took charge. It made sense to play 10 man rugby even though Pat Lambie made a 46th minute appearance. It was the first time Lambie was seen on a rugby field since June 11 against Ireland after he was concussed in a collision with Ireland flanker CJ Stander.While running rugby proved to be difficult‚ tries from Francois Kleinhans‚ Etienne Oosthuizen‚ Wandile Mjekevu and Khaya Majola underscored the Sharks dominance.Sharks (24) 53 Eastern Province Kings (0) 0 Scorers: Sharks:Tries: Andre Esterhuizen‚ Chilliboy Ralepelle‚ Jean-luc du Preez‚ Inny Radebe‚ Francois Kleinhans (2)‚ Etienne Oosthuizen‚ Wandile Mjekevu‚ Khaya Majola Conversions: Curwin Bosch (2)‚ Pat Lambie (2) - TMG Digital..

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