The bonus-point win came at just the right time for the Cheetahs, giving their confidence - and semi-final hopes - a timely boost heading into the Easter break.

It was Jasper who opened the scoring in Bloemfontein, very much against the run of play, intercepting a pass during an EP attack and sprinting away for the first try. But the lead didn’t last long. The Elephants hit back almost immediately, with winger Mpho Ntsane crossing the line after punishing a Cheetahs error.

Munier Hartzenberg - Johan Pretorius

The hosts soon found their rhythm and took control. Left wing Michael Annies turned on the afterburners following slick handling to score the Cheetahs’ second try in the 25th minute. Moments later, veteran lock Carl Wegner - back from concussion - powered over, with flyhalf Jaco van der Walt slotting the conversion in a tricky wind.

On the stroke of half-time, Jasper grabbed his second, and Van der Walt added a superb touchline conversion to hand the Cheetahs a comfortable 24–5 lead at the break.

Neels Volschenk - Johan Pretorius

The home side wasted no time after the restart. Just two minutes into the second half, Wegner showed great skill to gather a loose ball at his bootlaces before crashing over for his brace, with Van der Walt again adding the extras. Further tries from Neels Volschenk and a brilliant solo effort by outside centre Munier Hartzenberg put the result beyond doubt as the Cheetahs took full control.

Ntsane did manage to claim his second after intercepting a stray pass, but it was little more than a consolation. Jasper had the final say for the hosts soon after, racing away to complete his hat-trick and cap a standout individual performance.

Jaco van der Walt - Johan Pretorius

Eastern Province added a late try through Jaydon Bantom, with Maxwell Klaasen converting from in front, but by then the result was long decided.

While the Cheetahs will be pleased with the emphatic win - especially after last week’s cancelled clash against the Pumas - there are still areas to tidy up. Ill-discipline allowed EP to stay in the contest early on, with unnecessary penalties disrupting momentum, while yellow cards to Sisonke Vumazonke and Victor Sekekete added pressure.

Mpho Ntsane - Johan Pretorius

The Cheetahs, like the rest of the competition, now head into a bye week before shifting focus to another crucial SA Cup encounter against the Griffons in Welkom.

Meanwhile, over at the Suzuki Stadium in Kimberley, the Suzuki Griquas continued their dominance with a commanding 71-7 win against the Griffons to remain at the top of the log.

Scorers:

Cheetahs: Tries - Cohen Jasper 3, Michael Annies, Carl Wegner 2, Neels Volschenk, Munier Hartzenberg, Conv. - Jaco van der Walt 6

Eastern Province: Tries - Mpho Ntsane 2, Jaydon Bantom Conv. - Maxwell Klaasen 2

Morgan Piek OFM Sport