WITH spots in the Cell C Community Cup up for grabs, there will be plenty of incentive to succeed when Eastern Province's premier club rugby competition, the Grand Challenge, kicks off on Saturday (April 11).
A programme of seven matches will herald the start of the Grand Challenge, with the major prize being a spot in the Community Cup for the logleaders at the end of the season, unless that team is NMMU Madibaz.
As the Madibaz already compete in the Varsity Cup, the second-placed Grand Challenge side will automatically qualify for the Community Cup should NMMU fill the top position.
But the organisers also reserve a few wild card berths in the 20-team Community Cup line-up and good performances during the year could play in the club teams' favour.
Despatch have regained their dominance of club rugby in recent years, having being the automatic qualifiers for the Community Cup for the last three years. The strength they have built up in that period installs them as the early favourites, but a number of other clubs will make sure there is no easy progress for the champions.
The Madibaz, even after a relatively disappointing Varsity Cup this year, will still be a major factor and the Grand Challenge will provide an ideal opportunity for their coaching staff to work on developing their game to put in a stronger challenge in 2016.
Uitenhage teams Gardens and Progress have proved their credentials in recent tournaments and will now be looking to take it a step further in the Grand Challenge.
Gardens were EP's best team in the Eastern Cape Super 12 competition, reaching the final where they were edged by East London Police. If they can build on that form, they should figure among the leading title contenders.
Progress had a disappointing Super 12 campaign, but showed their ability by capturing the Harlequins Easter rugby title on Easter Monday, outplaying Suburban in the final. That success will have lifted their spirits, but they know the Grand Challenge opposition will be much tougher due to the presences of powerhouses such as Despatch, PE SAPS and NMMU.
Progress have no easy start to the Grand Challenge because they entertain African Bombers in Uitenhage in the opening game. Bombers played in the Community Cup last year and will be eager to show their credentials early on.
PE SAPS enjoyed their first exposure to the Community Cup this year and although they failed to make the playoffs, the experience should stand them in good stead.
They will be looking for a strong start against Trying Stars at Kemsley Park on Saturday, while Despatch will be strong favourites when they host Crusaders.
The Madibaz have a tricky opener against Kruisfontein at the campus, while Gardens should not underestimate Harlequins in their clash in Rosedale.
Saturday's Grand Challenge fixtures are (3.30pm kick-off): Park v Brumbies at Londt Park, Gardens v Harlequins at Rosedale, SAPS v Trying Stars at Kemsley Park, NMMU v Kruisfontein at South Campus, Windvogel v Spring Rose at Windvogel, Progress v African Bombers at Central field, Despatch v Crusaders at Despatch.
