Sangonii Mxoli goes on the run for the Bulls. Gallo

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Another huge loss for the Free State and a lack of discipline on the Blue Bulls part that saw them play with 13 men and lose at one stage were features of the weekend's penultimate round of Vodacom Cup league matches.

The three yellow cost the Blue Bulls dearly in this top- of -the- log clash at Loftus, won 37-35 by the visitors after an Ismaeel-Dolly penalty in the final seconds.

Dollie scored 27 points in the match where the Blue Bulls outscored WP by five tries to three despite at times having to play with 13 men. The Blue Bulls' defeat saw defending champions Griquas move to the top after their 57-5 thumping of the Free State in Kimberley on Friday night, with the Blue Bulls second and the Lions a further five points adrift. The South section's second-placed side Free State, unbeaten until ten days ago have now suffered two huge defeats, the other being by 68-24 against the Blue Bulls the previous weekend.

Free State are fortunate that they have the Griffons to play in their remaining match. Boland Kavaliers, one log point behind, have a tougher assignment against the Golden Lions whom they also have to beat with a bonus point try included - and then it will be a matter of points difference. Kavaliers kept their hopes alive with their 53-29 win over the Griffons in Welkom.

The Wildebeests are all but out of it after losing again at Brakpan, where the Valke turned around a 28-7 deficit at the break to win 35-28.

In order to make the play-offs, the Wildebeest must get a full house against the Leopards on Saturday - and hope the Cheetahs don't win by too many against Griffons and that the Kavaliers lose to the Lions. The Lions, third in the North section, thrashed the Mighty Elephants 52-14, but are probably out of semifinal contention.

They still have to get five log points against Boland Kavaliers if they hope to get square with the Bulls, who seem to be home and dry despite their weekend defeat.

All the Blue Bulls have to do to make the semis is to return from East London with a single log point against winless Border Bulldogs.

The Pumas and Leopards, both now out of the running, beat the Bulldogs (53-29) and SWD Eagles (46-29) respectively over the weekend.

Sapa