The hosts put the first points on the board when Janus Venter powered over from a maul. Not long after, Griquas was 14-0 up when Tim Swiel was yellow-carded for cynical play and a penalty try was awarded to the defending champions.

Next to score was the Sharks when flanker Tino Mavesere crossed the whitewash, but speedster Dylan Maart scored the Griquas’ third try to make it 19-7.

Stunning break

Griquas fans had a brief moment of panic when the Sharks scored twice in quick succession; first when Swiel scored in the 27th minute, followed ten minutes later by lock Johan Momsen. Swiel converted both tries to put the Sharks XV in the lead by 21-19.

But the hosts were quick to calm racing hearts, thanks to a stunning break in his own half by winger Gurswin Wehr, who offloaded to scrumhalf Bobby Alexander for a try just before halftime.

Suzuki Griquas vs Shark XV. Photo: Facebook/Griquas Rugby

Griquas came out swinging in the second half, with Maart scoring his second try in the 46th minute for a 31-21 lead. And then the visitors were hit by a tsunami of Peacock Blues, with hooker Tiaan Lange scoring a hat-trick in under ten minutes.

With five minutes to go, and 48-21 up, Maart had one final try left in him to take him to a hat-trick, bringing the final score to 55-21.

The Griquas have two away games left but are sitting comfortably at the top of the Currie Cup log, with the Pumas and Stormers to play on Saturday and the Bulls to host the Cheetahs on Sunday.

Suzuki Griquas vs Sharks XV. Photo: X/SupersportTV

Scores: 

Suzuki Griquas: Tries- Janus Venter, Penalty Try, Dylan Maart (3), Bobby Alexander, Tiaan Lange (3); Conversions - George Whitehead (2), Liam Koen (2)

Hollywoodbets Sharks: Tries - Tino Mavesere, Tim Swiel, Johan Momsen; Conversions - Swiel (3)

OFM Sport/Ilse Smalberger dg