The wait is over: Underdogs roar loudest as Griquas shock Lions at Ellis Park

HISTORY was made at Ellis Park on Saturday as the Suzuki Griquas ended a 55-year Currie Cup drought, toppling the star-studded Fidelity ADT Lions in a 27-25 thriller that will be remembered for generations.

The final whistle did not just signal victory; it unleashed a flood of emotions. Players in peacock blue jerseys dropped to their knees, some in disbelief, others in tears. For the first time since 1970, the Currie Cup belongs to Kimberley.

A battle to the end

This was no ordinary rugby match. Both sides fought with a desperation that only a Currie Cup final can bring. The Lions, stacked with United Rugby Championship (URC) talent, were expected to dominate. Yet, the Griquas met them head-on, tackling ferociously, chasing every loose ball, and refusing to surrender.

When George Whitehead stepped up in the dying seconds, Lions supporters tried to put him off with a chorus of boos, but the veteran flyhalf had ice in his veins. Cool, calm and collected, his penalty kick sailed straight through the uprights, sparking scenes of pure chaos and joy. 

For the Griquas, it was not just three points; it was redemption, history, and proof that heart can outweigh reputation.

Tears on the turf

The raw emotion was unmissable. As the final whistle blew, Ellis Park fell into a stunned hush broken only by the jubilant cries of the men in peacock blue. Griquas players collapsed onto the turf, some on their knees, others flat on their backs, as years of frustration and near misses poured out in floods of tears.

In the stands, a small but determined band of Griquas supporters rose as one. They were heavily outnumbered, yet their teal scarves, hand-painted banners and fluttering flags seemed to fill the giant stadium. Their cheers rang out defiantly, each shout a reminder that this day belonged to Kimberley and the Northern Cape.

Some fans were in tears, others shouting until their voices cracked, but all carried themselves with the pride of knowing they had witnessed something their parents and grandparents had only spoken about.

For a brief moment, the famous old stadium, so often a fortress for the Lions, was transformed. The echoes of Johannesburg’s faithful were silenced, replaced by the triumphant roar of the underdogs.

Pieter Bergh’s masterstroke

For Griquas head coach Pieter Bergh this was more than a title; it was validation. Against all odds, he took a team without the financial muscle or squad depth of their opponents and crafted them into champions. 

His calm leadership, belief in his players, and willingness to fight beyond expectations delivered a first Currie Cup crown for the Griquas in over five decades.

Bergh, who had tears in his eyes, didn't have to say anything; his face said it all.

Lions left stunned

The Lions had one hand on the trophy. A late penalty seemed to secure their victory until a Television Match Official review overturned a turnover, spotting a deliberate knock-on. It was the lifeline the Griquas needed, and Whitehead made no mistake.

For the Lions, it was heartbreak, a second consecutive Currie Cup final lost at the death. For the Griquas, it was destiny fulfilled.

More than a win

The Currie Cup has always thrived on stories of underdogs rising against the odds, and this victory will be etched alongside the greatest. A team written off before the kick-off, which had been battered by the Lions in the pool stages, stood tallest when it mattered most.

As the players lifted the Currie Cup trophy under the Johannesburg night sky, the significance was clear. The Griquas had not only broken a 55-year drought; they had reminded South African rugby why this competition still matters.

This was not just a win. It was a story of hope, grit, and a small union’s ability to rise against giants. And for Kimberley, the Currie Cup drought is finally over.

The Griquas will now travel back to Kimberley on Sunday as champions, Currie Cup champions, and nobody can deny that they deserve this win.