The Peacock Blues were full value for their victory, securing their third win in four matches and showing that they have every intention of keeping the Currie Cup trophy in the Diamond City.

There was plenty to like about the hosts’ performance. Their defensive effort was uncompromising, while their physicality and energy kept the Lions under pressure for long periods. Griquas also made life particularly uncomfortable for the visitors at the breakdown.

Gurswin Wehr -  Morgan Piek

The debutant Janus Venter was excellent after being called into the starting XV at the 11th hour due to Tiaan Lange’s back niggle. Had Bobby Alexander’s late try been overturned, Venter, would no doubt have been the man of the match.

The Toyota Cheetahs coach, Frans Steyn, would have been pleased if he watched the game as his new signing, Carl Els, put in another big shift.

The Lions, however, will look back on their performance with some frustration, particularly their work at lineout time.

Despite enjoying plenty of possession in the opening half, the Johannesburg side struggled to turn pressure into points and were guilty of too many unforced errors. Their lineout was especially problematic, with hooker Mahle Sithole repeatedly struggling to connect with his jumpers.

Changing hookers did little to solve the problem, with Ruan Welman taking over from Sithole later in the match but the Lions continuing to battle in an area where they would normally expect to be more reliable.

Griquas, meanwhile, were making the most of the opportunities presented to them. Els was prominent around the park, while Carel van der Merwe and Lourens Oosthuizen also made their presence felt as part of an industrious loose trio.

Janus Venter - Morgan Piek

The Lions did manage to find some momentum shortly before half-time when openside flank Thando Biyela powered over the line following a sustained spell of pressure.

That score gave the visitors some hope, but Griquas still went into the break with a 13-7 advantage.

The Lions returned from the interval with greater urgency and began to look far more dangerous with ball in hand. Centres Likhona Finca and Rynhardt Jonker were at the forefront of their attacking efforts, creating problems for the Griquas defence and giving the visitors a glimpse of a possible comeback.

Lourens Oosthuizen - Morgan Piek

But every time the Lions appeared ready to swing the momentum their way, Griquas had an answer.

The home side’s fourth try was arguably the highlight of the afternoon. Scrumhalf Bobby Alexander finished off a superb passage of play after Griquas had laid the foundation with a dominant scrum before Zane Bester added some slick touches in the build-up.

Bester’s afternoon ended on a sour note when he was shown a yellow card late in the contest, but by then Griquas had done enough to put the result beyond doubt.

Bobby Alexander - Morgan Piek

For Griquas, the victory could hardly have come at a better time. The Kimberley side is celebrating its 140th anniversary this weekend, and a win over the Lions provided the perfect way to mark the occasion.

It also carried a sense of déjà vu. Griquas defeated the Lions in last year’s Currie Cup final, and Saturday’s result served as another reminder that the Peacock Blues remain a formidable force on home soil.

Scorers

Griquas: Tries - Gurswin Wehr, Dylan Maart, Janus Venter, Bobby Alexander Conv. - George Whitehead Penalties - Whitehead 2 Drop goal - Whitehead

Lions: Tries - Thando Biyela, Jarod Cairns, Exauce Kevani Conv. - Sam Francis 2

Morgan Piek OFM Sport