In a pulsating final that saw both sides give their all, the scores were locked at 37-37 after 80 minutes of regulation time. The deadlock persisted through the first half of extra-time at 44-44, before the Griffons 8th-man Ulrich Stander’s decisive try in the second period sealed a historic win for the Welkom-based outfit.

The Griffons outscored their opponents by seven tries to five in a match packed with drama, skill and determination – and it was truly a game of centimetres.

Griffons. Photo: SA Rugby

It was also the second year in a row that the First Division title was decided in extra-time, underlining the fierce competition in the tournament.

The match began with an early strike from the Griffons captain Duan Pretorius, who powered through the Valke defence to open the scoring. The Valke responded almost immediately through winger Ezrick Alexander, setting the tone for an end-to-end encounter.

Each side crossed for three converted tries in a highly competitive first half, with a penalty from Andrew Kota giving the Griffons a narrow 24-21 half-time lead.

Duan Pretorius. Photo: Morgan Piek

The second half continued in the same vein, with Kota and Keagan Fortune trading penalties before scrumhalf Kyle Syster extended the Griffons’ lead with a brilliant solo effort. However, the Valke clawed their way back, scoring through Valentino Wellman and slotting two penalty goals to edge ahead 37-32.

Just as the home side looked poised to claim victory, the Griffons replacement back Jandré de Beer crashed over in the dying seconds to send the match into extra time at 37-37. Kota pushed the conversion attempt to the left – a kick that would have sealed the win had it gone over.

The Griffons winger Keanu Vers scored early in extra time, but Alexander’s second try – converted by Sergio Stalmeester – once again levelled the scores at 44-44. In a final twist, the Valke were reduced to 13 men due to a dangerous tackle and foul play, opening the door for Stander’s quick tap and power finish that sealed the match-winning try.

Keanu Vers. Photo: Morgan Piek

The Valke had one last chance to equalise, but the Griffons’ defence held firm, repelling a final surge over the line. Although the Valke crossed the whitewash, the ball was held up, and with the ball deemed dead, the referee had no choice but to blow the final whistle – denying the East Rand side their first Currie Cup First Division title in 78 years.

Following what had been a heart-breaking season for the Griffons – which saw them relegated to the First Division – their first win in three attempts this year against the Valke was the perfect way to sign off a trying campaign.

Scorers:

Valke: Tries – Ezrick Alexander 2, Theuns Pretorius, Mbembe Payi, Valentino Wellman Conv. – Keagan Fortune 4, Sergio Stalmeester Pen. – Fortune 2, Stalmeester

Griffons: Tries – Duan Pretorius 2, Matt Gray, Kyle Syster, Jandré de Beer, Keanu Vers, Ulrich Stander Conv. – Andrew Kota 2 Pen. –  Kota 2

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg