Griquas managed to keep their dwindling hopes of a Currie Cup play-off spot alive after managing a convincing 47-21 win over the Griffons in Welkom on Saturday.
THE WINDHOEK Draught Griquas managed to keep their dwindling hopes of a Currie Cup play-off spot alive after managing a convincing 47-21 win over hosts the Novafit Griffons in Welkom on Saturday afternoon, running in seven tries to the hosts’ three.
The loss by the Griffons cemented their place at the bottom of the Currie Cup table.
Griquas were well aware that their hosts are unpredictable and dangerous at their Down Touch Investments Stadium home ground and this was confirmed when the Griffons scored two quick converted tries in the opening 10 minutes, giving them a 14-point lead that could either rattle or galvanise the visitors.
The latter proved to be true as Griqua scrumhalf Johan Mulder started the turnaround for his team with a try in the 14th minute. Griquas turned in the screws dotting down three more five-pointers in the first half with No.8 Carl Els, centre Jay-Cee Nel and flyhalf Lubabalo Dobela all crossing the Griffons tryline.
Dobela’s boot ensured that Griquas comfortably went into the break 28-14 ahead.
The Griffons started the second half on the front foot as Stephan de Jager scored his second try of the day in the 44th minute. But from then on it was all Griquas.
Els crossed over for his second five-pointer just 10 minutes later, then it was Ashlon Davids’ turn with the fullback scoring another try for the visitors with 20 minutes to play.
With the bonus point secured, Griquas could afford to keep things tight and frustrate their hosts. They were rewarded for their discipline when Sango Xamlashe came off the bench to dot down at the final whistle, ensuring Griquas moved up the Currie Cup table to within three points of fourth-placed DHL Western Province after 11 matches.
Point-Scorers:
NOVAVIT GRIFFONS 21 (14) – Tries: Stephan de Jager (2) and Duan Pretorius. Conversions: Duan Pretorius (3)
WINDHOEK DRAUGHT GRIQUAS 47 (28) – Tries: Johan Mulder, Carl Els (2), Jay-Cee Nel, Lubabalo Dobela, Ashlon Davids and Sango Xamlashe. Conversions: Lubabalo Dobela (6)
