Griquas take sole possession of top spot

Tafel Lager Griquas moved into pole position on the log as they edged DHL Western Province 27-23 (halftime 14-3) in their Currie Cup Premier Division clash at Tafel Lager Park in Kimberley on Friday.

Griquas started the evening level on 15 points with the Xerox Golden Lions at the summit of the Currie Cup standings but two tries from right-wing Ederies Arendse and another by left-wing Eduan Keyter ensured they have a four-point lead heading into the weekend's other fixtures.

Home side captain George Whitehead controlled the game well with an accurate boot and also added 12 points that included three conversions and two penalties.

It was always going to be a hard-fought penultimate round clash as the fight continued for berths in the semifinals.

Western Province were forced into making four changes due to national side commitments while Griquas only made one to the side that beat the Blue Bulls in their last match two weeks ago.

Griquas enjoyed a bye last week and looked fresh from the outset. They shaded territorial advantage and led the possession stakes while the visitors made too many errors and bad discipline also cost them at times.

Griquas got off to a flying start when a quick-tap penalty resulted in right-wing Arendse scoring the opening try of the game in the second minute. Whitehead topped off the move he started with a solid conversion.

It took 25 minutes for Western Province to register their first points and they came via an SP Marais penalty.

But the home team extended their lead when left-wing Keyter sped over to score midway out for Whitehead to add the extra two points.

SP Marias added another penalty for Western Province to make it 14-6 soon after the restart but that was cancelled out by a three-pointer from Whitehead in the 48th minute.

Seabelo Senatla then got his third try of the season as Western Province's forwards and backs took the ball through a number of phases.

But Griquas delivered some superb running rugby to have Arendse cross for his second try of the night. Whitehead was successful from the tee as the home team assumed a 24-11 lead.

WP were down to 14 men after a cynical infringement by Ruan Nel and Whitehead landed the resultant penalty.

WP replacement Nama Xaba scored his first Currie Cup try with four minutes to play and Sentala grabbed a second on the hooter but Griquas had done enough to deservedly clinch the tie.

SCORERS

Tafel Lager Griquas:

Tries: Ederies Arendse (2), Eduan Keyter
Conversions: George Whitehead (3)
Penalties: George Whitehead (2)

DHL Western Province:

Tries: Seabelo Senatla (2), Nama Xaba
Conversions: SP Marais
Penalties: SP Marais (2)