Bulls end losing streak v Cheetahs with hard-fought victory

Blue Bulls winger Henry Immelman scored his first two tries for the Blue Bulls to lead them to a hard-fought 25-13 victory (halftime 17-6) against the Toyota Cheetahs in their Carling Currie Cup match at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Friday evening.

Henry Immelman crashes over in the corner 💪💪

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In a match characterised by many opportunities created but spoiled by missed tackles and handling errors from both sides the Bulls number 14 made the difference with two clinical finishes either side of halftime to extend the interval lead to 17-6 and then extend it to 22-6.

Bulls starting flyhalf Chris Smith made it four kicks out of four with by converting Immelman’s second try but was defeated by the stop-clock and his kick did not count.

Bulls eighthman Mpilo Gumede dived over a pile of ruck bodies in the 11th minute to give the Bulls their first try after efficient forward control through several phases of play to give his side some breathing space but the Cheetahs, as always, fought back with determination and vigour, if not error-free rugby.

Outside centre Munier Hartzenberg created several chances for the Cheetahs only for the final pass, or a lack of support, to cost his team points but the resolute Bulls defence earned a well-deserved victory.

Replacement Dan Maartens dragged the Cheetahs back into the contest with a powerful finish with ten minutes remaining but Bulls replacement flyhalf Jaco van der Walt slotted a late penalty to seal a victory which ended a five-match losing streak for the Bulls against the Cheetahs.

SCORERS:

Blue Bulls: Tries: Mpilo Gumeda, Henry Immelman (2), Penalty: Chris Smith, Jaco van der Walt, Conversions: Chris Smith (2)

Toyota Cheetahs: Try: Daniel Maartens. Penalties: Ethan Wentzel (2). Conversion: Wentzel.