Currie Cup
Cheetahs beat brave Griquas
2011-10-15 17:09
Bloemfontein - The Toyota Free State Cheetahs are
on course for a home semi final in the Absa Currie Cup after beating GWK
Griquas 49-39 in their last league game at Vodacom Park on Saturday.
The Cheetahs scored six tries to secure a bonus point.
The
home side came into the match with a number of their stalwarts, such as
flyhalves Johan Goosen, Sias Ebersohn and Riaan 'True Blue' Smit and
wing Rayno Benjamin injured, which meant that regular scrumhalf Tewis
de Bruyn started in the number 10 jersey.
Although not a recognized flyhalf, he did exceptionally well both on the attack and defense. His
goal kicking was also a major factor for the home team.
Griquas
were seen as favourites because they fielded the same side that
impressed against the Blue Bulls last week, but the Cheetahs' depth was
the deciding factor, with players like replacement prop Trevor Nyakane
and wing Philip Burger making a huge impact when they were called up
from the bench.
Free State battled in the first couple of minutes
with Griquas getting quality ball and converting that possession into
early points with Riaan Viljoen finishing a fine break by scrumhalf
Sarel Pretorius.
Griquas led 10-0 before the Cheetahs awoke with a fine
piece of play by winger Cameron Jacobs and later flank Lappies Labuschagne giving the home team the advantage.
The Cheetahs
started the second half where they left off the first with Labuschagne
scoring his second five pointer before hooker and captain Adriaan
Strauss scored his own try.
That sparked another stanza of excellent
play by the home side with Burger and centre Werner Griesel, on loan
from the Griffons, each scoring a try.
A final spurt by Griquas saw
wing Dusty Noble, prop Stef Roberts and scrum half Pretorius crossing
the line.