Fortunately for coach Deon Davids’ charges, the result was sufficient to keep them above the Dragons on the log in Conference B.

The Dragons drew first blood with Adam Warren rounding off some enterprising play from a chip kick, which Josh Lewis backed up with a penalty goal in the 11^th minute for an 8-0 lead.

The Isuzu Southern Kings struck back strongly with two tries in two minutes by Stefan Ungerer - who dived over a ruck short of the tryline – and Bjorn Basson – who gathered a well-timed grubber kick – with a subsequent penalty goal by Bader Pretorius pushing them 13-8 ahead.

Deon Davids’ men continued to test the Dragons as the half progressed, but mistakes at crucial times denied them from taking advantage of two more solid plays before the break.

The Isuzu Southern Kings extended their lead to 18-8 in the third quarter compliments of their third try by Harlon Klaasen who dashed past a defender to touch down, but the Dragons reduced their deficit to three points minutes later as Jordan Williams scored a fantastic individual try.

There was high drama shortly after as both teams were reduced to 13 men, with front-rowers Leon Brown and Alulutho Tshakweni being yellow-carded for repeated infringements in the scrums, while Lloyd Fairbrother and Michael Makase were sent to the sin-bin shortly after for charging into a ruck dangerously and a playing an opponent in the air respectively.

The Isuzu Southern Kings managed to remain in the lead despite this, but a high tackle cost them with two minutes to go, which allowed Lewis to level the scores, leaving the teams tied at 18-18.

Scorers:

Isuzu Southern Kings 18 (13) – Tries: Stefan Ungerer, Bjorn Basson, Harlon Klaasen. Penalty Goal: Bader Pretorius.