The scoring was opened in the 6th minute when the Sharks scrumhalf, Grant Williams, went over for the first try of the match after he caught the Cheetahs defence napping.

In a spell of trademark Cheetahs rugby, the hope team opened a comfortable lead through tries by Ruan Pienaar, Khutha Mchunu, Chris Smit and Malcolm Jaer. Frans Steyn converted all four tries.

On the stroke of half-time, the Sharks lock JJ van der Mescht, crashed over for an unconverted try.

In the second stanza, the Sharks were the better of the two teams, and they did have a kind bounce or two to help matters.

The Sharks flanker, Thembelani Bholi, scored under the posts before Rynier Bernardo grabbed one back for the hosts.

Werner Kok and Phepsi Buthelezi both scored for the visitors before Steyn landed the first of his two penalties on the night.

Mpilo Gumede then scored what should have been the match-winner, but sustained pressure lead to a second successful penalty by Steyn right on the stroke of half time. This proved to be the match-winner.

The Cheetahs captain, Ruan Pienaar, told OFM Sport that apart from soft moments they are happy with the win.

“Our conditioning is fine and we've worked hard on it over the last couple of weeks. 

“It's just about putting up an 80-minute performance and getting rid of those soft moments in the game.

“These are preparation matches and we are trying a few things with a lot of players getting an opportunity.

“At the end of the day we got the win and going forward that is important for us.”

The Cheetahs next travel to Nelspruit where they will tackle the Pumas next week Thursday.

Scorers:

Cheetahs:  Tries – Rosko Specman, Khutha Mchunu, Chris Smit, Malcolm Jaer, Rynier Bernardo Conv. – Frans Steyn 4 Pen. – Steyn 2

Sharks: Tries – Grant Williams, JJ van der Mescht, Thembelani Bholi, Werner Kok, Phepsi Buthelezi, Mpilo Gumede Conv. – Jordan Chait 2, Manie Libbok 2

@MorganPiek OFM Sport