Rugby
Griffons to face Valke in Currie Cup First Division Final─── MORGAN PIEK 10:36 Sun, 20 Jul 2025
The Griffons will take on the Valke in the final of the 2025 Currie Cup First Division at Barnard Stadium in Kempton Park.
Both teams booked their place in the final with convincing semi-final victories on Saturday – the Griffons seeing off Eastern Province, while the log-leading Valke overpowered the Leopards.
At the Down Touch Investments Stadium in Welkom, the Griffons ran in seven tries as they thrashed a determined Eastern Province 48-20 after leading 31-13 at half-time. While the Northern Free State side were largely in control, they were made to scramble at times.
Ulrich Stander, the son of the former Cheetah prop Matt Stander. Photo: Morgan Piek
Prop Buhle Nojekwa scored a brace of tries in windy conditions, while Lungi Mbiko, Calla Pienaar, Ulrich Stander, Kyle Cyster, and Quan Eymann also crossed the whitewash. Fullback Andrew Kota had a solid day with the boot, converting five of the seven tries and slotting a penalty.
Sherwin Slater, Rodney Damons, and former Cheetahs player Mzwanele Zito dotted down for the Elephants, with Oliver Zono adding a conversion and a penalty.
Meanwhile, at Barnard Stadium on the East Rand, the Valke continued their dominant run in the competition with a commanding 55-10 win over the Leopards. The hosts led 24-0 at half-time.
Scrumhalf Wernich Aucamp scored one of the Valke’s seven tries. Photo: Morgan Piek
Mbembe Payi scored twice for the Valke, with Ezrick Alexander, Cohen Kiewit, Zingisa April, and Wernich Aucamp also getting on the scoresheet. The Valke were also awarded a penalty try.
Keagan Fortune contributed 16 points with five conversions and two penalties, while Sergio Stalmeester added a further conversion. For the Leopards, Brandon Keevy and Lwandile Mapuko scored tries, with Shaun-Christian Baxter converting one of them.
The Currie Cup First Division Final will be played at Barnard Stadium in Kempton Park on Saturday, 26 July, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00.
Scorers:
Griffons: Tries - Buhle Nojekwa 2, Lungi Mbiko, Calla Pienaar, Ulrich Stander, Kyle Cyster, Quan Eymann Conv. - Andrew Kota 5 Pen. - Kota
Eastern Province: Tries – Sherwin Slater, Rodney Damons, Mzwanele Zito Conv. - Oliver Zono Pen. - Zono
Valke: Tries - Ezrick Alexander, Cohen Kiewit, Zingisa April, Mbembe Payi 2, Wernich Aucamp, Penalty Try Conv. - Keagan Fortune 5, Sergio Stalmeester Pen. - Fortune 2.
Leopards: Tries - Brandon Keevy, Lwandile Mapuko Conv. - Shaun-Christian Baxter
