After a frustrating opening-round defeat to the Stormers XXIII, Pieter Bergh’s defending champions responded in emphatic fashion, running in eight tries in front of their home supporters. Scrumhalf Bobby Alexander celebrated his 50th appearance for the Peacock Blues in style with a superb hat-trick, while left wing Gurswin Wehr also crossed the whitewash three times in a devastating attacking display.

Flyhalf George Whitehead enjoyed a flawless game with the boot, converting all eight tries to finish with 16 points and ensuring the hosts made every opportunity count.

The visitors from Pretoria struck first when inside centre PA van Niekerk crossed to hand the Bulls an early advantage. Their lead, however, proved short-lived as Griquas quickly settled into their rhythm.

Alexander sparked the comeback before Wehr added his first try to put the home side in front inside the opening quarter. The Bulls remained competitive when exciting wing Hakeem Kunene finished off a well-worked attack, but Griquas continued to apply relentless pressure.

Alexander grabbed his second try of the afternoon before powerful tighthead prop IG Prinsloo barged over to extend the lead. Veteran fullback Devon Williams ensured the Bulls stayed within striking distance with a try just before the break, leaving Griquas holding a 28-19 advantage at half-time.

Bobby Alexander - Morgan Piek

Any hopes of a Bulls comeback disappeared soon after the interval as Griquas lifted the intensity.

Flanker Louis Oosthuizen crossed early in the second half before Alexander completed his hat-trick, capping a magnificent milestone match. The Bulls did manage a response through wing Riyaad Bam, but it was merely a brief interruption to the home side’s dominance.

Wehr then completed his own hat-trick with two late tries as the defending champions finished strongly, stretching the scoreline beyond 50 points and securing a valuable bonus-point victory.

The result was a timely reminder of the attacking quality that carried Griquas to last season’s title, with their pace, precision and clinical finishing proving too much for a Bulls side still searching for their first victory of the campaign.

The convincing victory gives Bergh’s men valuable momentum ahead of another tough home assignment against the Toyota Cheetahs next weekend. The Free Staters also head into the clash in confident mood after beating the Sharks 43-21 in Bloemfontein on Friday.

The Bulls, meanwhile, remain winless after opening defeats to the Boland Cavaliers and Griquas. They will look to get their campaign back on track when they travel to Johannesburg for a Jukskei derby against the Lions, who enjoyed a convincing 52-29 victory over the Pumas this weekend.

Scorers

Griquas: Tries - Bobby Alexander 3, Gurswin Wehr 3, Ig Prinsloo, Lourens Oosthuizen Conv. - George Whitehead 8

Bulls: Tries - PA van Niekerk, Hakeem Kunene, Devon Williams, Riyaad Bam Conv. - Keagan Johannes 3

Morgan Piek OFM Sport