Despite a furious final 20 minutes from the Griffons, Western Province held on to secure a Currie Cup victory in Welkom on Friday.

A Clayton Blommetjies penalty and tries from Jarrod Taylor and Andre-Hugo Venter in the first half gave Western Province a 13-0 lead at the break as they headed to the shed looking comfortable away from home.

Halfbacks Jean-Luc du Plessis and Thomas Bursey added two more before the 50-minute mark and it seemed as though Province were set to cruise to a victory against a Griffons side unable to get onto the scoreboard.

The score remained 25-0 and Province remained comfortable until a yellow card against prop Kwenzo Blose gave the Griffons the advantage they sought.

The home side pounced on the opportunity and a try from Dalton Smit just one minute after the yellow card sparked a 15-minute onslaught from the Griffons.

The hosts scored two more tries – both converted – to close within five points of victory as the game clock signalled the fourth quarter.

But Western Province’s defence held firm in the final 10 minutes, and they left Welkom with five hard-earned log points.