East London. - Any hopes the Border Bulldogs had of knocking the spots off the Leopards were dashed when they went down 29-19 at East London's Absa Stadium in their Currie Cup first division match on Friday night.

The win sees the Leopards retain their place on top of the log but they themselves will tell you just how hard they had to fight for their win.

The scores were level at 12-12 at the break following a fast-paced first half which saw the Bulldogs refusing to be bullied and the Leopards looking somewhat confused by the ferocity of the home defence.

First half Bulldog tries went to fullback Russell Jeacocks after right wing Jovan Bowles did all the running and captain and flank Solly Tyibilika who was driven over. The Leopards tries went to left wing Colin Lloyd and centre Japie Nel.

An early try by centre Thabo Ratyana converted by Stuart Hudson had the Bulldogs ahead 19-12 but hats off to the Leopards' pack whose driving with the ball kept the Bulldogs under pressure for the rest of the match.

A drop goal by flyhalf Clayton Durand and clever try to replacement fullback plus conversion saw the Leopards ahead 22-19 with 15 minutes remaining. A converted try by replacement centre Basil de Doncker on fulltime sealed the win for the Leopards.

Points scorers: 
Bulldogs: Tries to Fullback Russell Jeacocks, flank Solly Tyibilika and centre Thabo Ratyana. Flyhalf Stuart Hudson two conversions.
Leopards: Tries to left wing Colin Lloyd, centre Japie Nel, fullback Anvor Schooney and centre Basil de Doncker. Flyhalf Clayton Durand three conversions, one drop goal. - Sapa