Sport

Suzuki Griquas grind out victory as Currie Cup battle intensifies

2025 Carling Currie Cup

Danie van der Lith|Published

Suzuki Griquas maintained their strong home record with a 26-17 win over the Hollywoodbets Sharks XV in Kimberley, while the weekend also saw victories for the Lions, Cheetahs and Boland, leaving the Currie Cup log finely balanced at the halfway stage.

Image: Danie van der Lith / DFA

Suzuki Griquas continued their strong home form with a determined 26-17 victory over the Hollywoodbets Sharks XV at Suzuki Stadium in Kimberley on Friday evening, ensuring they remain firmly in the mix for a semi-final spot in this year’s Carling Currie Cup Premier Division.

The clash was a test of discipline and composure as both teams traded blows in a physical contest. The Sharks XV struck first when Junior Bok flyhalf Vusi Moyo slotted a penalty in the 14th minute to put the visitors ahead. However, Griquas quickly responded, capitalising on the Sharks’ numerical disadvantage after Nick Hatton was shown a yellow card.

Caleb Abrahams crossed for the home side’s opening try, converted by George Whitehead, to swing momentum back to the Kimberley outfit.

The Durban visitors went into the break leading 10-7 after Ceano Everson scored a well-worked try, converted by Moyo, who partnered him as SA U20 halfbacks. But after the interval, the Griquas showed why they are such a difficult side to beat at home. Lourens Oosthuizen dotted down in the 54th minute to reclaim the lead, only for Diego Appollis to briefly restore hope for the Sharks with a converted try four minutes later.

From there, ill-discipline undid the visitors. Junior Bok loose forward Matt Romao was yellow-carded, followed late on by Jean Smith, allowing Griquas to seize the advantage. Dylan Maart powered over in the 61st minute, and Cameron Hufke’s converted try six minutes from full-time sealed a deserved third win in four outings for the Kimberley side.

Oosthuizen himself saw yellow, but it did little to dent the Griquas’ momentum as they celebrated a third consecutive home victory.

Lions win catfight against Pumas

Elsewhere, the weekend produced drama across the country. In Nelspruit, the Fidelity ADT Lions edged out the Airlink Pumas 36-35 in a pulsating clash that went down to the wire. Both sides exchanged tries in a frenetic first half that ended 21-21, but it was a penalty from Lubabalo Dobela that ultimately proved decisive. Despite a brave fightback from the Pumas, who scored two late tries through Jan-Henning Campher and Tiaan Pretorius, the Lions held firm for a crucial away win.

In Bloemfontein, the Toyota Cheetahs overcame indiscipline to record a gritty 31-24 victory over DHL Western Province. The hosts ran in four tries, including efforts from Cohen Jasper and Neels Volschenk, to secure a valuable bonus point.

However, two late yellow cards reduced them to 13 men, leaving WP with a chance to snatch victory. Despite tries from Jared Africa and Enos Ndiao, Province could not capitalise and had to settle for their first league point of the campaign.

Calvliers show their intentions

Sunday’s headline clash saw the Sanlam Boland Kavaliers continue their remarkable season by defeating the Vodacom Bulls 28-20 in front of a packed crowd in Wellington. The Bulls led 20-14 midway through the second half, but Boland, despite suffering four yellow cards, showed immense resilience.

Tries from Sidney Tobias, Kwezi Mafu, Donavan Don, and former Bulls prop Dayan van der Westhuizen propelled them to their third victory of the campaign. Don, the competition’s top try-scorer, once again underlined his quality with a powerful finish for his seventh try of the season.

After four rounds, the standings are delicately poised. The Cheetahs lead the way on 16 points, tied with Boland but ahead on points difference. Griquas and Lions follow closely on 15 points each, while the Pumas sit just behind on 13. The Bulls remain on 10, while both Western Province and the Sharks XV are still searching for their first win, with just one point apiece.

This coming weekend promises more high-stakes rugby. The Pumas host Boland in Nelspruit on Friday evening, before the Sharks XV and Western Province meet in Durban in a battle to secure their first victory. Saturday sees the Cheetahs take on the Lions in Bloemfontein, while Sunday brings a heavyweight clash between the Bulls and Griquas in Pretoria.

With the competition past its halfway stage, every point now counts, and the Currie Cup is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in years.