Griquas moved to the top of the Currie Cup standings with a 24-21 victory over the Cheetahs in Kimberley on Friday, surviving a dramatic late siege from the visitors to claim the win.
The Cheetahs drew first blood through Simon Miller, converted by Cohen Jasper, before Tiaan Lange crashed over to level at 7-7. Griquas then took control in the final quarter of the first half — Carl Els dotted down to put the home side ahead, before Bobby Alexander's diving try extended the lead to 17-7 at the break. Faf de Klerk, introduced after 25 minutes, was prominent in the Cheetahs' attacking efforts but picked up a yellow card late in the half.
The Cheetahs clawed back after the restart. Marco Janse van Rensburg crossed off a driving maul, Jasper converted, and the gap was cut to 17-14. Griquas responded with Lange's second try, converted by George Whitehead, to push clear at 24-14.
De Klerk then set up Prince Nkabinde with a deft kick to bring the Cheetahs back to 24-21 with three minutes remaining, setting up a frantic finish. The Cheetahs continued to press after the hooter, winning a lineout on the Griquas line, but could not find the decisive score.
The result lifts Griquas above the Cheetahs — who take a losing bonus point — ahead of the rest of the weekend's fixtures. Lange's brace and Whitehead's accurate boot were central to the defending champions' win.