The result marks a third consecutive win for Boland over the Cheetahs under head coach Hawies Fourie, who previously coached the Bloemfontein side before taking charge of the Cavaliers at the start of 2024.

The five points from the away win could prove significant as the competition progresses, with the top four teams in the SA Cup earning promotion to the Currie Cup Premier Division later in the season.

Boland made a strong start to the match, scoring three converted tries within the opening 26 minutes. The Cheetahs, however, responded just before he break and placed the visitors under sustained pressure during the second half.

Number eight and captain Thurlow Marsh played an important role in Boland’s early dominance. He scored the second of the three early tries and provided the final pass for both Xavier Mitchell (left wing) and Lunathi Nxele (outside centre), who crossed in the fifth and 26th minutes respectively.

Marsh also finished off a well-worked move following a lineout variation. Scrumhalf Louis Schreuder broke down the blindside before sending the captain through on his inside to score.

Prince Nkabinde - Morgan Piek

Nxele’s try followed a midfield tip-on from Marsh, with the centre running approximately 40 metres to score near the posts and extend the Cavaliers’ lead to 21–0.

Flyhalf Juan Mostert added a penalty in the 33rd minute to push Boland’s advantage out to 24–0.

The Cheetahs opened their account on the stroke of half-time when winger Prince Nkabinde crossed for a try, reducing the deficit to 24–7 at the break.

The home side returned after the interval with greater urgency. Their rolling maul proved effective, leading to tries in the 43rd and 53rd minutes that narrowed the gap to 24–17.

Boland regained momentum soon afterwards when Mostert charged down a kick from Ethan Wentzel following a quick lineout throw by replacement Clayton Blommetjies. The flyhalf gathered the loose ball to score and then converted his own try, restoring some breathing space for the visitors.

The Cavaliers were later reduced to 14 players when flanker Kwanda Dimaza received a yellow card for a high tackle on Munier Hartzenberg, allowing the Cheetahs to build further pressure.

Inside centre Zander du Plessis then scored after a strong run, bringing the hosts within seven points at 31–24.

Louis Schreuder - Morgan Piek

Boland managed the closing stages well. After captain Marsh consulted with referee Morné Ferreira regarding a no-arms tackle on lock Jeandré Leonard, the incident was reviewed by television match official Aimee Barrett-Theron, who confirmed the infringement. Mostert converted the resulting penalty from in front of the posts to extend the lead to 34–24.

Shortly afterwards, Cheetahs flank Daniel Maartens received a yellow card for another no-arms tackle.

In the forwards, tighthead prop Dayan van der Westhuizen was influential at the breakdown, while Dimaza and Marsh were prominent ball carriers and defenders. The halfback pairing of Schreuder and Mostert also controlled the tempo of the match effectively for the visitors.

Christiaan van der Westhuizen - Morgan Piek

Boland’s composure in the final quarter ensured they converted their strong start into a valuable away victory.

The Cavaliers will next face the Griffons at Boland Stadium in Wellington next Sunday.

Scorers:

Cheetahs Tries - Prince Nkabinde, Chucky van der Westhuizen, Christiaan van der Westhuizen, Zander du Plessis Conv. - Ethan Wentzel, Cohen Jasper

Boland Cavaliers: Tries - Xavier Mitchell, Thurlow Marsh, Lunathi Nxele, Juan Mostert Conv. - Mostert 4 Pen. - Mostert 2

Morgan Piek OFM Sport