The DHL Western Province Under-21 side recorded a 39-34 win over their Leopards counterparts on Saturday, keeping the pressure on their rivals at the top of the log in the process.

The DHL WP U21s led 27-15 at half-time and picked up their fifth four-try bonus-point of the season, as backs Dean Hammond, Tim Swiel, Godlen Masimla, Nick Holton and Pat Howard all crossed for tries.

Inside centre Holton, whose try was set up after a bullocking run by No.8 Rayn Smid (pictured) – arguably the try of the match, kicked four conversions and two penalties for the home side.

As things stand now, the WP Under-21s (31 log points) trail the Sharks (32) by just one point on the log, with the Bulls in first position on 36 points.

This win comes just eight days after WP’s stunning bonus-point triumph in Pretoria (against the log-leadings Bulls), the Under-21s showing great resilience in a tough season which has been highlighted by injuries and senior team call-ups.

Speaking afterwards, DHL WP Under-21 coach John Dobson said: “Obviously one has to feel disappointed when you’re leading 39-15 – on attack – and end up winning by just 39-34.

“But I should take responsibility for that, making all those changes… But, at the same time, it was helluva important for us to use the chance to build some depth in the squad which has (already) been pretty rigorously tested this season.

“Ordinarily we wouldn’t be without all our leaders (Frans van Wyk, Gerbrandt Grobler and Rick Schroeder) and those changes affected our rhythm. Still, it was a worthwhile exercise and next week we will welcome back a few players who we rested for our next vital game against the Sharks in Durban.”

The scorers:

For DHL Western Province Under-21:

Tries: Hammond, Swiel, Masimla, Holton, Howard

Cons: Holton 4

Pens: Holton 2

For Leopards Under-21:

Tries: Strydom, Marais, Olivier, Van der Merwe, Kruger

Cons: Gilbert 3

Pen: Gilbert