The second half of the Currie Cup sees the Cheetahs off to a strong start despite challenging weather in Bloemfontein on Friday evening. After being suspended due to inclement weather, the game kicked off later in the evening.

The teams braved the weather and still managed to make their mark . The Griffons opened the scoreboard with a penalty from Robbie Petzer in the 18th minute. The Cheetahs fought back almost immediately taking the half-time score to a massive lead for the home team. Fullback, Tapiwa Mafura dotted down twice, largely contributing to their 21-3 lead.

The second half saw a strong start from the Cheetahs with Daniel Maartens’ try taking their lead to a comfortable 28-3 in the 50th minute. 

The Griffons may have fallen behind but being a side of impact, they came back fighting. Having won only one other game in the tournament so far, making a statement this week was important to the side. Duren Hoffman secured the first try for the Welkom team in the 60th minute.

The Cheetahs however, had the last say, with Evardi Boshoff dotting over the line 2 minutes before time taking the score to a well deserved bonus point win of 33-10. 

The win sees the Cheetahs at the top of the table with 31 points while the reigning champs take second seat with 29 points after their loss to the Lions on Friday.

In round 9 of the Currie Cup Fixtures, the Griffons are up against the Airlink Pumas on Saturday, the 6th of May, while the Cheetahs will host DHL Western Province. 

Scorers: 

Cheetahs:

Tries: Daniel Maartens (2), Tapiwa Mafura (2), Evardi Boshoff

Conversions: Masuku (4)

Griffons:

Try: Duren Hoffman 

Conversion: Jaywinn Juries

Penalty: Robbie Petzer

Kayla Barker/OFM Sport