The match at the Cheetahs’ home ground was officially declared a no-result at around 20:45 after players were forced off the field for a second time due to lightning in the area. Kick-off had already been delayed by more than an hour after a heavy storm swept through Bloemfontein, bringing strong winds and driving rain. 

The match eventually got underway at 19:15, with players only able to begin their warm-ups about 35 minutes beforehand.

The calm after the initial storm. Photo: Morgan Piek

When play did begin, it was the Pumas who struck first. Live-wire hooker Gustav du Rand, formerly of the Griquas, spotted a gap and burst through to score, with Clinton Swart adding the extra two points.

The Cheetahs responded well. Captain Chucky van der Westhuizen powered over from a maul to level matters, and Cohen Jasper slotted the conversion to make it 7-7.

However, the weather soon intervened again. In the 24th minute, players were ordered off the field as lightning returned, much to the frustration of both teams and the crowd – especially the Cheetahs, who had begun to build momentum and take control.

After a lengthy delay, play eventually resumed at 20:30, by which time most spectators had headed home. A handful of die-hard supporters remained, hoping for a conclusion.

There was a brief return to action, during which Swart nudged the Pumas ahead 10-7 with a penalty. But after just under 10 minutes of play, the match was brought to a grinding halt once more. Referee Christopher Allison had no choice but to blow the final whistle.

Despite the Pumas leading, competition rules require at least 40 minutes of play for a result to stand, meaning the game was officially ruled a no-result, and both teams earned two points.

Referee Christopher Allison telling the captains, Sampie Swiegers and Chucky van der Westhuizen, that the players need to leave the field. Photo: Morgan Piek

Cheetahs coach Frans Steyn told OFM Sport that while they will accept the points on offer, the circumstances were far from ideal.

“It is what it is – we’ll take the two points and move on,” said Steyn.

“It’s a pity for the spectators who went through all the effort to come out and watch the game. It’s obviously not ideal, but it was out of our control, so we’ll take the two points and move on.

“We’re just hoping that next weekend we can be better.”

The Cheetahs will be back in action next Saturday when they host Allister Coetzee’s Eastern Province Elephants at Shimla Park, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00.

Scorers:

Cheetahs: Try – Chucky van der Westhuizen Conv. – Cohen Jasper

Pumas: Try – Gustav du Rand Conv. – Clinton Swart Pen. - Swart

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs