Mnombo Zwelendaba of the Suzuki Griquas runs with ball in hand during their encounter against the Boland Kavaliers in the SA Cup match held at Suzuki Park in Kimberley on Saturday, April 5.
Image: Danie van der Lith
THE SUZUKI Griquas maintained their perfect record in this year’s SA Cup with a hard-fought 41–36 win over the Sanlam Boland Kavaliers on a pleasant, sunny day at Suzuki Park in Kimberley on Saturday.
With this win, Griquas have managed to keep their unbeaten run in the competition intact as well as firmly securing their footing on top of the competition’s log.
Despite the close scoreline, Griquas always looked dangerous with ball in hand, showing once again why they’re the team to beat. The win was their fifth in a row this season and takes their points difference to a commanding +252, with 52 tries scored and just 13 conceded.
Boland made the hosts work for the result, however. They punched above their weight and were leading by 10 points with 10 minutes to go, but two yellow cards in the final stages proved costly, opening the door for the hosts to finish strong.
Dylan Maart of the Suzuki Griquas is tackled by a Boland Kavaliers player during their SA Cup encounter at Suzuki Park in Kimberley.
Image: Danie van der Lith
Hooker Gustav du Rand was immense again, scoring a hat-trick from rolling mauls, while Gurshwin Wehr and Marcqiewn Titus added second-half tries as the home side overpowered the Kavaliers in the closing moments. Boland’s discipline faltered late in the game, and Griquas were quick to capitalise.
Even with the scare, Griquas never lost their composure, showing the depth, confidence, and structure that have defined their campaign so far.
Griquas will now shift their focus to next week’s fixture against Eastern Province, who are still looking to find consistency in the competition.
EP have shown flashes of quality this season but will need to produce something special to topple the log leaders, especially in Kimberley where Griquas have been near-unplayable.
With the business end of the SA Cup approaching, and a massive showdown with the second-placed, and ever dangerous, Airlink Pumas still to come, Griquas will want to keep their foot firmly on the accelerator.
Scorers:
Suzuki Griquas 42 (14) – Tries: Gustav du Rand (3), Cameron Hufke, Gurshwin Wehr, and Marcqiewn Titus. Conversions: George Whitehead (6)
Sanlam Boland Cavaliers 36 (17) – Tries: Sidney Tobias, Jurick Lewis (2), James Tedder, and Ludio Williams. Conversions: Ashlon Davids (4). Penalty: Davids
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