The Leopards got the Currie Cup match against GWK Griquas at GWK Park in Kimberley under way. Leopards were awarded a penalty in the second minute of the match which was kicked by flyhalf, Clayton Durand, but 3 minutes later, Griquas returned the compliment when Naas Olivier put over a penalty to level the score at 3 all. But it was only in the `5th minute when poor defensive work by Griquas gave Leopards the first try of the match when fullback Russel Jeacocks scored in the far corner after a full line movement from just outside Griquas 22 meter line, the conversion missed the upright, thus giving Leopards the lead by 8 points 3.
The next points to appear on the board only came in the 28th minute, when Olivier kicked another penalty for the home side to bring them to within 2 points of the Leopards on 8-6. Griquas took the lead in the 33rd minute after fullback, Riaan Viljoen broke through the middle of the field, drew his man and passed out to wing, Egon Seconds, who scored in the near side corner, but Olivier’s conversion missed, giving Griquas the lead for the first time in the match, 11-8. Five minutes later, Viljoen put over a mammoth 37 meter drop goal to increase Griqua’s lead to 14-8. On the stroke of half time, Griqua’s scrumhalf, Sarel Pretorius, scored a try in the far corner, which went unconverted and taking the halftime score to 19 to Griquas and 8 to the Platinum Leopards.
Griquas started the second half, but the kickoff did not travel the required 10 meters, so Leopards had the foot in. Naas Olivier slotted a penalty in the 5th minute, 25 meters in from touch and 38 meters out, but two minutes later, Clayton Durand kicked a penalty, taking the score to 22-11 in GWK Griquas favour. Griquas were awarded a penalty in front of the posts, but opted to kick for the corner, which a minute later ended in Sarel Pretorius going over under the posts for his second try in the match, converted by Olivier, taking the home team into a commanding 29-11 lead with 15 minutes left in the match. With about three minutes left in the match, Leopards had a scrum 5 meters from their tryline, which Griquas capitalized on and replacement flank, Rohan Kitshoff barged his way over for Olivier to convert making the final score 36-11 and a bonus point.
Point Scorers: GWK Griquas; Tries Sarel Pretorius 2, Egon Seconds and Rohan Kitshoff, conversions Naas Olivier 2, penalties Olivier 3 and drop goal Riaan Viljoen. Total 36
Platinum Leopards; try Russel Jeacocks, penalties Clayton Durand 2. Total 11
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