Griquas fire nine tries to crush Sharks and strengthen Currie Cup lead

Griquas underlined their status as Currie Cup champions-elect with a dominant 55-21 victory over the Sharks in Kimberley on Friday night, scoring nine tries to move further clear at the top of the table.

The home side led 26-21 at half-time but pulled away decisively after the interval, producing an emphatic finish against a Sharks team whose hopes of reaching the play-offs are fading fast.

Griquas’ attacking threat proved too much for the visitors throughout the match. Their backs repeatedly found gaps in the Sharks’ defence, while their driving maul provided another important source of pressure as the Kimberley side maintained their grip on the game.

Dylan Maart and Tiaan Lange each completed a hat-trick, with both players playing a central role in a performance that demonstrated the depth and variety of the home side’s attack.

Bobby Alexander also crossed the line for Griquas, while the hosts were awarded a penalty try. George Whitehead and Liam Koen contributed two conversions apiece as Griquas converted their dominance into a comprehensive scoreline.

The Sharks managed three tries during a competitive first half. Tino Mavesere, Tim Swiel and Johan Momsen all scored, with Swiel adding two conversions and Luan Giliomee kicking another.

However, the visitors could not match Griquas’ intensity after the break. The hosts’ ability to maintain pressure through their forwards, combined with the pace and finishing of their backs, allowed them to turn a five-point half-time advantage into a 34-point victory.

The result strengthens Griquas’ position at the summit of the Currie Cup log and again highlights why they will be difficult to dislodge as champions. For the Sharks, the scale of the defeat leaves their campaign in increasing danger, with their chances of securing a play-off place continuing to diminish.

Griquas’ scorers were Janus Venter, Dylan Maart, who scored three tries, Bobby Alexander and Tiaan Lange, who also crossed three times, along with a penalty try. George Whitehead and Liam Koen each kicked two conversions.

The Sharks’ tries came from Tino Mavesere, Tim Swiel and Johan Momsen. Luan Giliomee converted once, while Tim Swiel added two successful conversions.