Cape Town – The Griquas continued their Absa Currie Cup Premier Division quest with a comprehensive 48-21 (half-time 36-7) win over the Leopards in their qualifier at Profert Olen Park in Potchefstroom on Saturday.
The Griquas, who lost their opening match of the campaign, to the Border Bulldogs, continued their return to form after they beat Boland 48-17 in their last match as they emerged victorious in a match that had featured the top two teams on the log heading into this weekend’s fixtures.
The Leopards, after two wins, had been top of the table at the start of the weekend but they were blown away by a Griquas’ outfit that ran in eight tries to three.
The win moved the Griquas to the top of the table, ahead of the Leopards on point’s difference.
The visitors made a fast start to the game as they raced into a 24-0 lead after just 23 minutes.
Tries from right wing Riaan Viljoen, who dotted down twice, outside centre Jonathan Francke and in-form eighthman Carel Greef saw the Griquas to a healthy lead before the Leopards finally struck back with a converted try from fullback Rhyno Smith.
But the Griquas were on a high and they soon struck back with lock Hilton Lobberts going over for a try in the 34th minute before inside centre Clinton Swart dived over for another try with three minutes of the half left.
The visitors reached half-time holding a commanding 36-7 lead and they were almost as impressive in the second half.
Pivot Francois Brummer and flank RJ Liebenberg both dotted down with the Leopards replying with two tries of their own, from replacements Damian Engeldoe and Loftus Morrison.
Scorers: Leopards – Tries: Rhyno Smith, Damian Engeldoe, Loftus Morrison; Conversions: Adriaan Engelbrecht (3).
ORC Griquas – Tries: Riaan Viljoen (2), Jonathan Francke, Carel Greef, Hilton Lobberts, Clinton Swart, Francois Brummer, RJ Liebenberg; Conversions: Gouws Prinsloo (4). – ANA