The Toyota Cheetahs returned to winning ways in the SA Cup on Saturday with a 59-26 win over the Eastern Province Elephants in Bloemfontein.

The Cheetahs raced to a 40-7 lead at half time at the Toyota Stadium, but in the second stanza the were a lot less convincing as the team from Gqeberha managed to run in for a further three tries.

The Cheetahs were certainly not overly happy with their performance despite scoring nine tries and the flattering scoreline.

The Cheetahs fullback, Tapiwa Mafura, opened the scoring in the third minute with a converted try, but the Elephants struck back with 15th minute try by their loosehead prop, Siya Nzuzo, which was converted by their flyhalf Ruben de Vos.

In the 20th minute, Munier Hartzenberg, handed the Cheetahs the lead again with a try. The winger Litha Nkula scored his first try in a Cheetahs jersey, before the captain Victor Sekekete, dotted down minutes later.

Nkula the completed his brace before the young Banie Britz score his first Cheetahs try to hand the home team a 33-point lead at the interval.

The EP lock, Lungisile Mbiko, opened the scoring in the second half with a brilliant individual try. The inside centre Sherwin Slater rounded of another stunning team try for EP to close the deficit.

The replacement flanker, Sisonke Vumazonke, managed to score his first try for the Cheetahs before George Lourens managed to run in for two good tries to take the hosts score up to 49 points.

After the full time hooter sounded the EP captain, Riaan Arends, managed to dart over following a period of sustained pressure by the visitors.

The Cheetahs will hit the round next week for an away game to the Griffons in Welkom. This game will kick-off at 15:00 on Sunday.

Scorers:

Cheetahs: Tries – Tapiwa Mafura, Munier Hartzenberg, Litha Nkula 2, Victor Sekekete, Banie Britz, Sisonke Vumazonke, George Lourens 2 Conv. - Andell Loubser 7

Eastern Province: Siya Nzuzo, Lungisile Mbiko, Sherwin Slater Riaan Arends Conv. - Ruben de Vos 3

Morgan Piek OFM Sport