Playing champagne rugby before an estimated 7 000-strong crowd, the Border Bulldogs ripped Western Province to shreds in their Vodacom Shield match at East London's Absa Stadium on Friday night, winning 59-26.

Western Province appeared to still be in the game despite trailing 25-12 at the break but two early tries by wings Chumani Booi and Odwa Ndungane blew them out the water.

The win, one of the biggest ever against a Province side, moves the Bulldogs to an untouchable 28 points at the top of the log and a home semifinal on March 10.

While Western Province hit back midway in the second half through a converted try by scrumhalf Ashieq Wise it then became one way traffic with the home side playing brilliant attacking rugby and were allowed in for a further three tries.

The game was played at a frantic pace throughout and the open play of both sides was appreciated by the large crowd who were treated to some splendid rugby and possibly the best match seen here for years.

Bulldogs scrumhalf Vido Nako was named of the match but anyone of three Bulldogs could have got the nod and winger Booi must have felt hard done by after scoring a hat-trick. - Sapa


Scorers:
Bulldogs:
Tries to wing Chumani Booi (3), centre Thinus van Rensburg, flank Derek Hendry, wing Odwa Ndungane, fullback Tiger Mangweni and substitute flyhalf Gareth Wright. Flyhalf Werner Bester two conversions, two penalties. Substitute flyhalf Gareth Wright three conversions, one penalty.

WP:
Tries to centre Herman Schroder (2), scrumhalf Ashieq Wise and flyhalf Solly Goosen. Goosen two conversions, fullback Herman Schroder one conversion.