Vodacom Cup
Bulls too good for Griquas
2013-03-09 17:52
Ruan Snyman (Gallo Images)
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Kimberley - The Blue Bulls got their Vodacom Cup campaign off to a solid start on Saturday with a 40-32 victory against Griquas in Kimberley.
Dangerous winger Sampie Mastriet was richly rewarded with a try three minutes before the end after a strong performance throughout.
Replacement flyhalf Handre Pollard converted from the corner to seal the win for the Pretoria side.
Both teams achieved a bonus point for scoring four or more tries.
Griquas often found themselves chasing the game, and just as they clawed their way back into the match, they conceded points again.
The first half was characterised by the Bulls wasting a couple of golden opportunities to increase their lead, while Griquas turned over too much possession. That continued in the second period and eventually cost the hosts the game.
Both teams were dangerous when they got their malls rolling. The Bulls looked the better team on the day and seemed more dangerous with ball in hand. The visitors were especially dominant in the final quarter.
The Peacock Blues were not as affective at the breakdowns as coach Pote Human would have liked, and openside flanker Marnus Schoeman was not his productive self in stealing ball at the rucks.
In general, Griquas failed to find the necessary rhythm to ask enough questions of the Bulls defence.
Scorers:
Blue Bulls:Tries: Dries Swanepoel, Ruan Snyman (2), Francois Venter, Wiaan Liebenberg, Sampie Mastriet
Conversions: Tony Jantjies (3), Handrè Pollard (2)
Griquas:Tries: PJ Vermeulen, Marnus Schoeman, Penalty try, Edwin Hewitt, Simon Westraadt
Conversions: Vermeulen (2)
Penalty: Francois Brummer