Fourie hails WP's composure

Deon Fourie: Proud of his troops

Western Province captain Deon Fourie has praised his side for closing a half-time deficit to beat the Free State Cheetahs 29-22.

The Cape Town-based side travelled to Bloemfontein on the back of some good momentum after they thrashed the Blue Bulls. And after coach Allister Coetzee asked his side to produce the goods, the visitors did just that.

They trailed 19-13 at the break after Cheetahs winger Nico Scheepers kicked a couple of good penalties, but Province showed real prowess in the second stanza to take the lead and ultimately the game.

"I am very proud of the team," said Fourie.

"We knew it would be difficult in Bloemfontein, but the guys pulled through and proved their worth. The victory over the Cheetahs really means a lot."

Western Province closed the weekend as the leaders in the competition, but they find themselves on 15 points - just like the Lions and Sharks - with only points difference seperating the trio.

They now have to travel to Durban to take on the Sharks, and still need to remedy some aspects of their play before their next outing.

"There were some silly mistakes, no doubt," added Fourie.

"We need to have a look and rectify them before travelling to Durban. The Sharks is another big game for us. They always come with a bang and we will have to be at our best."

Cheetahs captain and centre Robert Ebersohn's side was again on the receiving end after they came up short last weekend against the Sharks. The Cheetahs failed to play the full 80 minutes, something that is starting to become a real problem for Naka Drotske's troops.

"Obviously we are very disappointed," said Ebersohn.

"We couldn't produce the goods against the Sharks and now we came up short against Province as well. We wanted to give our home crowd a victory. We wanted to make it right, but we couldn't. It is very disappointing."

The home side lead at the break, but squandered their lead and now find themselves in the fourth position on the standings, just one point in front of Griquas.

"We did pretty well in the first half, even though we didn't start well from the kick off," said Ebersohn.

"We ended the first 40 minutes in a good spot and needed to take it from there, but we didn't. Province defended pretty good too, so all credit to them.

"We now must focus on taking on the Lions here at home. We owe them one and what better place them Bloemfontein to pay our dues."