George - The Eagles proved their strength on Saturday when they beat the Pumas in a Vodacom Shield rugby match at Outeniqua Park 26-10.

The Eagles led 13-3 at the break.

In the first half the Eagles played with 14 players when flyhalf Chelton April was sent off with a yellow card, and again when Tommie Webb, who played in his 100th game for the Eagles, was red-carded for punching an opponent early in the second half.

The important match started off in an uninspiring way with only a penalty kick by flyhalf Japie Schutte putting three points on the scoreboard for the visitors in the first 20 minutes.

The Pumas equalled the Eagles up front and the homeside lost prop Flippie Spies amd left wing Keith Meyer to injuries.

After April's return, he was able to add two penalty goals.

The play of the Eagles improved considerably after that, especially in the scrums where the Eagles dominated completely.

In the second half, hooker Tommie Webb was red-carded but the Eagles still managed to extend their lead and in the scrums they were still too strong.

Scorers

Eagles: Tries: centre Gavin Hume, right wing Jeremy Plaatjies, flank Kabamba Floors. Conversion: Chelton April. Penalty goals: April (3).

Pumas: Try: flank Gerhard Vosloo. Conversion: flyhalf Japie Schutte. Penalty goals: Schutte. -
Sapa