Potchefstroom and Welkom will host the first semifinals of the Absa Currie Cup season this weekend with six matches spread across two days.
The race for the Absa Currie Cup First Division crown begins in Potchefstroom on Friday when the log-topping Platinum Leopards host the Pumas (kickoff 5.05pm local time). The winners of that match will meet the victors of Saturday’s meeting between the Griffons and the SWD Eagles in Welkom – a re-match of the final league match of the season, which was won 28-19 by the Griffons in George on Saturday.
The Absa Currie Cup First Division final will take place at the venue of the higher-placed qualifier on Friday, October 10. Both matches are supported by semifinals in the B Section of the Absa Under-21 and Under-19 Championships – with the chance of a repeat of last year’s finals in both tournaments.
The Wildeklawer Griquas, the defending B Section Under-21 title holders, meet the Pumas in Potchefstroom on Friday and if they win that game they will face the winners of the meeting between the Valke and the SWD Eagles in Welkom the following day.
Griquas beat the Valke in last year’s final. 26-23. The Valke and Wildeklawer Griquas are both chasing the double as their Under-19s also contest the Absa Under-19 Championship semifinals. Griquas meet the Mighty Elephants in Potchefstroom on Friday while there is a rematch of the 2007 final in Welkom where the Valke take on the Griffons.
The Valke won last year’s B Section title with a 49-20 victory over the Griffons.
FIXTURES
Absa Curie Cup First Division semifinals Friday, October 3: Platinum Leopards vs. Pumas (Potchefstroom) Saturday, October 4: Griffons vs. SWD Eagles (Welkom)
Absa Under-21 Championship semifinals Friday, October 3: Wildeklawer Griquas vs. Pumas (Potchefstroom) Saturday, October 4: Valke vs. SWD Eagles (Welkom)
Absa Under-19 Championship semifinals Friday, October 3: Wildeklawer Griquas vs. BA Mighty Elephants (Potchefstroom) Saturday, October 4: Griffons vs. Valke (Welkom)