An experimental DHL Western Province selection took on SWD Eagles in Oudtshoorn in a friendly clash at Bridgton on Saturday, June 8.

The game, played in icy wet conditions, ended in a 21-21 draw.

No.6 flank Cobus Nel crossed the whitewash twice for Province, with Berton Klaasen dotting down the other try. Fullback Tim Swiel converted all three tries.

Coach John Dobson assembled an exciting line-up – consisting of Vodacom Cup players and some talented youngsters – for the trip.

He said afterwards: “The game was a friendly but served to provide some much needed game time for some of the older guys whilst giving some of the Under-21 and club players a run at this level.

“A strong core of this selection will be available to us during the Under-21 season, so the match served as an early glimpse of their talents in a match situation. It also served as a good barometer to see who will be able to make the step up to play in next weekend’s game against the Lions in Johannesburg.”

The DHL Western Province selection:

15. Tim Swiel
14. Craig Pheiffer
13. Berton Klaasen
12. Pat Howard
11. Chevandre van Schoor
10. Mike van der Spuy
9. Godlen Masimla
8. Carel du Preez
7. Ryan Olivier
6. Cobus Nel
5. Jean Kleyn
4. Taz Fuzani
3. Tjoppie Ferreira
2. Stephan Coetzee
1. Ashley Wells

Reserves:
16. Freddie Kirsten
17. Entienne Swanepoel
18. Graham Knoop
19. Sikhumbuzo Notshe
20. Bolla Conradie
21. JP Lewis
22. Kobus van Wyk