This as the Boland Cavaliers and Toyota Cheetahs lost further ground in the top-four race.

Over the weekend, the Griquas dominated the Border Bulldogs 118-3 in East London, the Pumas secured a hard-fought 46-38 win over the Toyota Cheetahs in Nelspruit, and the Griffons crushed the Leopards 79-10 in Welkom. The Valke climbed to fourth place with a determined 43-26 victory over the Boland Cavaliers in Kempton Park, while Eastern Province recorded a morale-boosting 39-26 away win against the SWD Eagles in George.

Gustav du Rand. Photo: Morgan Piek

After three rounds, defending champions Griquas, alongside the Pumas and Griffons, remain unbeaten on 15 points. Griquas lead the standings due to their superior points difference, with the Pumas in second and the Griffons third. The Valke occupy fourth place with 10 points, followed by the Boland Cavaliers (eight), Toyota Cheetahs (seven), Eastern Province and SWD Eagles (both six), while Border (one) and the Leopards (zero) remain at the bottom of the table.

A standout performance came from the Valke, who secured a 43-26 victory over the Cavaliers at Barnard Stadium. Outscoring their opponents six tries to four, the Valke raced to a 26-7 lead within 25 minutes. However, Boland fought back, reducing the halftime deficit to 26-21. 

The Cavaliers’ discipline cost them in the second half when a yellow card for Michael Benadie allowed the Valke to capitalise. Eighth-man Abulele Ndabambi scored twice within 10 minutes to seal the win. Valentino Wellman also bagged a brace, while flyhalf Keagan Fortune contributed five conversions and a penalty. Boland’s Lunathi Nxele scored two tries, with Garth April adding three conversions.

Clinton Swart. Photo: Morgan Piek

In Potchefstroom, the Griffons were ruthless against the Leopards, running in 13 tries in their 79-10 demolition to win the Jan Fourie trophy. Charles Williams opened the scoring for the hosts with a penalty, but the visitors dominated, leading 34-3 at halftime. Inside centre Jandre de Beer shone with four tries as the Griffons added seven more in the second half while conceding just one.

On Friday night, the Pumas maintained their unbeaten record with a thrilling 46-38 win over the Cheetahs in Nelspruit. A high-scoring first half ended 26-24 in the Pumas’ favour. 

The Cheetahs briefly took the lead after halftime with tries from Louis van der Westhuizen and Michael Annies, but the Pumas responded with three tries, including a brace from Jay Cee Nel, to secure the victory.

Sylvester Hassien. Photo: Morgan Piek

Meanwhile, in East London, the Griquas recorded a staggering 118-3 win over the Border Bulldogs, scoring 18 tries while conceding only a penalty. Gurshwin Wehr stole the show with four tries and a conversion, earning the Player of the Match accolade. This took his tally up to seven tries after scoring a hat-trick a week prior while on debut against the Valke.

Next week, the Griffons host Griquas in Welkom, Border faces the Leopards in East London, SWD visits Boland, Eastern Province welcomes the Cheetahs to Gqeberha, and the Valke take on the Pumas in Kempton Park.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek