The Griffons held out to claim a dramatic home victory over the Vodacom Bulls in Welkom on Friday afternoon for a first win in the Currie Cup Premier Division since 1999.
In a thrilling encounter, the Griffons showed plenty of heart to outplay the fancied Vodacom Bulls and win 32-28. Not only was it a first Premier Division win of the millennium for the newly-promoted minnows, but it was also a first win over the Vodacom Bulls since 1997, when they won 36-32 at Loftus Versfeld.
It saw the Vodacom Bulls, who fielded a decently strong side featuring Jacques du Plessis and Wandisile Simelane, continue their winless start to the campaign and stretch their losing streak to nine in all competitions.
As was the pattern of their games this season, the Griffons flew into a great start, taking a 10-0 lead, before being pinned back as the Vodacom Bulls started to find their rhythm.
However, this time the Griffons were up for the fight in front of their fans and narrowed the deficit just before the break, taking that momentum into the second half.
A try from former Vodacom Bulls wing Jamba Ulengo gave the hosts an 11-point lead, which would prove enough of a buffer for the Griffons to see the game out.
There was late drama as the Vodacom Bulls narrowed the deficit to just four points before lightning intervened, resulting in the game being halted for a few minutes. When the match resumed, the Vodacom Bulls wasted one final attacking opportunity, with the Griffons holding on for a famous win.