Though the Wildeklawer Griquas’ Absa Currie Cup Premier Division campaign came to a halt following their match against the Sharks last weekend, there is still hope that the Northern Cape will be able to add some silverware to the rugby trophy cabinet this season as both the Griqualand West Under-19 and Under-21 teams are competing in the finals of their respective competitions this weekend.

Both outfits will be in action at Olen Park in Potchefstroom today and will be looking to go one better than the senior team.

It has been a remarkable season for the Baby Griquas who struggled at times in their respective competitions, but bounced back to win their semi-finals. They will now have their sights set on going all the way and bringing back two trophies to Kimberley.

The Griqua Under-19 team face the Griffons this afternoon (kick-off 3 pm, live on SS1) and will be looking for revenge after the Welkom-based outfit hammered them 40-17 at the North West Stadium in their season opener.

This would prove to be the first of two defeats that Griquas suffered this season as they had little trouble against the Valke, Pumas, SWD Eagles and Border. The Mighty Elephants managed to beat them 24-17 in mid-September and this prevented Griquas from finishing top of the log.

Coach Winston du Plessis and his Griqua Under-19 team, however, managed to lift their standards in their semi-final match against the team from the Eastern Cape and narrowly defeated them 29-27 at GWK Park last Saturday. This was enough to give them a spot in the final and the team will not want to let this opportunity slip.

“The final match against the Griffons is definitely a grudge match for us as we will be seeking revenge for losing our season opener,” Du Plessis told the DFA.

“Our first encounter in Welkom was really difficult for us as conditions were tough and at one stage we only had 12 players on the field, but this week we have been working hard on our defence as we know the Griffons are going to run at us.

“We are looking to keep the ball up front amongst the pack who will drive us forward, but later in the game we will be looking to play the ball wide.”

Meanwhile, the Griqua Under-21 team meet the Valke (kick-off 4.45 pm, live on SS1) in their final this afternoon.

The Under-21s struggled a bit this season but managed to claw their way into a semi-final against the Pumas.

Griquas won their opening fixture of the season by thrashing the Griffons, but the Valke proved a tough nut to crack and claimed a 38-29 victory. This was followed by a loss to the Pumas in Witbank, victory over the Elephants and a loss to Border.

Griquas bounced back remarkably well in Potchefstroom last weekend when they got revenge against the Pumas by hammering them 47-8 in the semi-final.

Like their Under-19 counterparts, the Griqua Under-21 team now also have a score to settle in the final as they look to avenge their loss earlier in the season to the Valke.