The Valke and SWD Eagles progressed to the Currie Cup First Division final with wins against the Leopards and Griffons respectively.

In a repeat of last year’s semi-final, the Valke avenged their 2017 loss to the Leopards with a 59-19 thrashing in Kempton Park.

The hosts scored nine tries at the Barnard Stadium, four of them by replacement flank Martin Sithole, to send a statement ahead of the final.

What was more impressive about the victory, was that the Leopards led 16-12 at half-time, thanks mainly to the boot of flyhalf Schalk Hugo, who kicked three penalties, a conversion and a drop goal.

However, the Valke were far too strong in the second half, with five other players getting onto the scoresheet with tries to see them turn the game into a rout.

The Valke will face the SWD Eagles, who had a much tougher prospect in seeing off defending champions the Griffons 22-6 at Outeniqua Park on Friday.

A brilliant show off the tee from Divan Nel boosted the home side as the flyhalf kicked five penalties and a conversion for a personal haul of 17 points.

Semi-final results:

Valke (59) – Tries: Marco Klopper, Anrich Richter, Etienne Taljaard, Grant Janke, Martin Sithole (4), Johan Pretorius. Conversions: Richter (6), Andries Truter.
Leopards (19) – Try: Lungelo Gosa. Conversion: Schalk Hugo. Penalties: Hugo (3). Drop goal: Nel.

SWD Eagles (22) – Try: Tyler Fisher. Conversion: Divan Nel. Penalties: Nel (5).
Griffons (6) – Penalties: Duan Pretorius (2).

Photo: Gordon Arons/Gallo Images