The final game in the Toyota Challenge was not without a fight from both sides with the Cheetahs and the Griquas both going head to head for a win last night in a Central South African derby. 

In his post-match interview, the Cheetahs captain, Victor Sekekete stated that the game was a dog fight and that it was messy. Despite it being so, the Cheetahs still ended the Toyota Challenge tournament on a high note with a third win of the series. Winning 3 out of their 4 Toyota Challenge games, the Cheetahs managed to secure a total of R750 000 in winnings. 

Both teams fielded their strongest teams and brought their A-game in this last game of the tournament. This derby was a tough battle and seeing the half-time score a point apart at 14-13 to the Cheetahs, as well as a red card to Cameron Dawson, it was all to fight for in the second half. 

Pushing through with a try from Marko Janse van Rensburg, a conversion as well as two penalties scored by Ruan Pienaar, the Cheetahs ended the game on a score of 27 while a try from Janco Uys and a conversion by Eddie Fouche pushed the Griquas up to 20 at full-time.

The Cheetahs viewed the Toyota Challenge as preparation for the upcoming EPCR Challenge Cup and Victor Sekekete stated the following concerning the work that lies ahead:

“There are always work-ons, I think we got every picture we could possibly get. We got really good experience from this and I think we’ll be ready.”

The Cheetahs will be competing in the EPCR Challenge Cup in December.

Try Scorers:

Toyota Cheetahs:

Tries: 8 Jeandre Rudolf, 15 Tapiwa Mafura, 16 Marko Janse van Rensburg

Conversions: Ruan Pienaar x3

Penalties: Ruan Pienaar x2

Windhoek Draught Griquas:

Tries: 13 Jay-Cee Nel, 2 Janco Uys

Conversions: Eddie Fouche x2

Penalties: Eddie Fouche x2 

Kayla Barker/OFM Sport