Flyhalf Lubabalo Dobela struck two penalties and Griquas bravely defended to the final whistle for a dramatic Currie Cup victory against the Lions in Kimberley on Friday.
Sensational defence secured a nervy 25-21 victory for Griquas after a late yellow card to replacement hooker Sean Swart.
The hosts stormed into an early lead when centre Jay-Cee Nel strolled over the whitewash before captain Hanru Sirgel crashed over for a try.
Griquas conceded a penalty try and were reduced to 14 men when winger Sako Makata was shown yellow for an unlikely maul infringement, but they weren’t deterred as scrumhalf Johan Mulder scored soon after, establishing a 19-7 lead going into the break.
???????? ???? ??? ????? | Ruan Smith giving us his thoughts from the bench after a tough first half against the Windhoek Draught Griquas. #GRIvLIO| #CurrieCup | #WhereLegendsRise#LionsPride? pic.twitter.com/8hjMB8CAfo
— Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) May 5, 2023
Tries from flanker JC Pretorius and replacement hooker Morne Brandon put a fired-up Lions into the lead for the first time, but it was short-lived as Dobela struck two penalties to restore Griquas’ lead.
A no-arms tackle from Swart deep into the second half had the hosts down to 14 men for a second time, but Griquas stood firm to keep the Lions at bay and claim the victory.
DIAMONDS IN THE ROUGH?@GriquasRugby manage to hold off a second half onslaught in Kimberley to secure important points in their playoff bid?#CurrieCup #WhereLegendsRise pic.twitter.com/ag9VkPCefk
— The Currie Cup (@TheCurrieCup) May 5, 2023
Photo: Twitter/@TheCurrieCup