Griquas pleased with second-half stand
Griquas proved their critics wrong, believed captain Ryno Barnes, after they broke their second-half hoodoo against Currie Cup title holders the Golden Lions on Friday night.
The visitors scored five tries to secure a 42-32 bonus-point victory at Coca-Cola Park – their first win of the domestic campaign.
"It was out there that we're a 40-minute side," Barnes said.
"I think we proved the South African public wrong tonight.
"It was a massive effort in the first half and a massive effort in the second half. We're pleased with the result."
Having faded in the second 40 minutes in their previous matches this season, Griquas showed their intention by scoring 14 points after the break.
The hosts hit back in the dying stages as they looked to charge Griquas down, and winger Anthony Volmink scored a quickfire brace to bring the Lions within three points of the visitors with 10 minutes left in the match.
Griquas, however, managed to hold their nerve and produced a superb team effort from their own try-line, working through 13 phases before centre Jean Stemmet burst over for their fifth five-pointer, ensuring victory shortly before the hooter sounded.
The Lions, top of the log ahead of the fourth round of matches this weekend, were on the back foot for most of the game, trailing 28-18 at halftime.
Lions skipper JC Janse van Rensburg was disappointed with their performance on defence, with the visitors finding numerous gaps near the home side's try-line.
"We knew Griquas would come here with a bang," said Janse van Rensburg.
"Unfortunately our defence let us down today, but well done to Griquas."
