Griquas cruise home in Welkom try-fest

The Windhoek Draught Griquas stormed to a convincing 47-21 win against the NovaVit Griffons at Down Touch Investments Stadium in Welkom on Saturday afternoon.

The victory away from home kept the Griquas' slim Currie Cup semifinal hopes alive. It was a contest that featured third from bottom against the hosts, who remain rooted to the basement.

It was an exhibition of attacking rugby as the tries came flooding in during an uncharacteristically early 13:00 kick off.

The home team scored two tries inside the opening 10 minutes which stunned the opposition. Griffons prop Stephan de Jager was the star as he claimed the first try before Duan Pretorius converted his own try as the home team stretched the lead to 14 unanswered points.

In-form Griquas No 9 Johan Mulder got his side back into the contest in the 14th minute as the match turned on its head.

The visitors scored two tries in a five-minute burst - first through eighthman Carl Els and then through centre Jay-Cee Nel - to move out in front before flyhalf Lubabalo Dobela scored his team's fourth on the stroke of halftime.

Dobela was flawless with the boot as the Griquas ran into the break 28-14 ahead.

De Jager was on hand again as his second try of the day reduced the game to seven points in the 44th minute.

Ten minutes later, the Griquas were on the charge again as Els crossed over for his second five-pointer which was backed up by teammate Ashlon Davids as the fullback dived over for a try with 20 minutes to play.

With the bonus point well and truly wrapped up for the seven-try Griquas, they managed to see out the remainder of the match without much fuss.

Replacement backline player Sango Xamlashe had the final say of the afternoon with a try at the final whistle for the Griquas.

The victory moves them within three points of fourth-placed DHL Western Province after 11 matches.

SCORERS

NOVAVIT GRIFFONS:Tries: Stephan de Jager (2) and Duan Pretorius. Conversions: Duan Pretorius (3)

WINDHOEK DRAUGHT GRIQUAS:Tries: Johan Mulder, Carl Els (2), Jay-Cee Nel, Lubabalo Dobela, Ashlon Davids and Sango Xamlashe. Conversions: Lubabalo Dobela (6)