Fighting back from a half-time deficit meant it was all to play for and the Cheetahs managed to seal the deal.

The Cheetahs trailed 14-12 at half-time after two tries for each side. For WP it was André-Hugo Venter and Angelo Davids’ tries, both converted by Kade Wolhuter, that put them in the lead. While for the Free State, only one of their two tries was converted. Gideon van der Merwe dotted down in the 25th minute shortly after Venter. Reinhardt Fortuin secured his try after Provinces’ 2nd, this time converted by Ruan Pienaar putting 12 points on the board before half-time.

Although the home side had an early advantage, the second half saw the Cheetahs fight back hard. 17 minutes in, Wolhuter took a penalty for WP increasing their half-time lead but, a few minutes after, the visitors pursued full control of the game.

Hooker, Louis van der Westhuizen, touched down from close range in the 63rd minute and with the conversion secured by Ruan Pienaar, the Cheetahs managed to claw their way to a 19-17 lead.

After Jean-Luc du Plessis missed a penalty attempt for WP in the 71st minute, the 77th minute saw the Cheetahs awarded a penalty try, sealing their victory.

In what was their 6th game of the Currie Cup, the Cheetahs’ win put them at the top of the log with 25 points. The reigning champions, the Pumas now stand in second with 20 points ahead of their round 6 game on Sunday afternoon against the Griffons.

Round 7 of the Currie Cup kicks off next weekend with the Cheetahs hosting the Sharks on Friday 21 April at 14:30, while Western Province face the Pumas on Friday at 16:30. 

Scorers:

Western Province: Tries - André-Hugo Venter, Angelo Davids Conv. - Kade Wolhuter Pen. - Wolhuter 

Cheetahs: Tries - Gideon van der Merwe, Reinhardt Fortuin, Chucky van der Westhuizen, penalty try Conv. - Ruan Pienaar 2

Kayla Barker/OFM Sport