CURRIE CUP: Lions & Hollywoodbets Sharks get away victories over the Cheetahs and WP respectively

Lions claw down Cheetahs

The Lions maintained second place on the Currie Cup table after a 38-21 bonus-point victory against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.

The visitors got off a fast start and scored three tries in the opening 25 minutes to race into a 21-0 lead.

Renzo du Plessis, RF SChoeman and captain Jaco Visagie all went over for five-pointers while flyhalf Koud Wolhouter was precise from the kicking tee.

The home team then collected two yellow cards and Rabz Maxwane then went over for the Lions’ fourth try just before halftime for a 26-0 advantage.

Corne Fourie gave the Cheetahs their first points of the match when after a sustained period of pressure dived over over the whitewash.

The hosts then further reduced the deficit as Daniel Kasende went over and Ethan Wenzel added his second conversion as the Cheetahs were 26-14 behind at that stage.

The Lions though pulled away again on the scoreboard when Du Plessis scored his try of the contest but Wolhouter this time failed to add the extras.

Sharks secure crucial win over WP in Currie Cup thriller

In an intense Currie Cup clash in Cape Town, the Sharks defeated Western Province 31-23, solidifying their place in the top four.

The Sharks claimed a bonus point by scoring four tries, a crucial victory that pushed Western Province out of the play-off race.

The Sharks dominated early, surging to a 21-3 lead. Western Province, however, showed resilience, narrowing the gap to just five points at one stage.

Jurie Matthee opened the scoring with a penalty for Province in the fifth minute, but Tino Mavesere quickly responded for the Sharks with a try following a quick-tap penalty from Bradley Davids.

The Sharks extended their lead with tries from Jurenzo Julius in the 33rd minute and captain Nick Hatton in the 38th minute.

Western Province struck back just before halftime when Kyle Smith intercepted a pass to score.

Despite losing key players Angelo Davids, JC Mars, and Joshua Boulle to late fitness issues, Western Province pressed hard in the second half, with Matthee adding another penalty and Vernon Matongo scoring a try.

However, Keyter’s 66th-minute try and a late drop goal from Cronje secured the Sharks’ victory.