The Cheetahs left it late to secure a 47-35 win against EP, as they headed back to Bloemfontein with five points in the bag before enjoying four consecutive home games. Eastern Province managed to lead 22-21 at half-time, with a try right on the stroke of the interval.

Michael Annies. Photo: Morgan Piek

The Cheetahs’ outside back, Michael Annies, scored a brace of tries for the visitors, hailing from his hometown. Further tries from Litha Nkula, Rewan Kruger, Marco Jansen van Vuren, Marko Janse van Rensburg, and Sisonke Vumazonke saw the Cheetahs earn a valuable bonus point as they aim to stay within striking distance of the top four teams in the competition.

The experienced Clayton Blommetjies, who only started training with the Cheetahs earlier in the week, was another standout performer playing in the fly-half role — a position he is less associated with, though he has worn the number 10 jersey for the Free State in the past.

Blommetjies’ tally of 12 points proved invaluable

Blommetjies converted six of the Cheetahs’ tries, and his tally of 12 points proved invaluable for the visitors.

For Eastern Province, CJ Velleman, Shirwin Cupido, Troy Delport, and Jayden Bantom all crossed for tries, while fly-half Christian Humphries added three conversions and three penalties.

Marko Janse van Rensburg. Photo: Morgan Piek

The Cheetahs will now turn their focus to the Free State derby, which will be played in Bloemfontein. They will face the Griffons, who suffered their first defeat of the campaign when they lost 52-33 to the Suzuki Griquas in Welkom.

Saturday’s game between the Cheetahs and Griffons at the Toyota Stadium will kick off at 15:00.

Eastern Province: Tries - CJ Velleman, Shirwin Cupido, Troy Delport, Jayden Bantom Conv. - Christian Humphries (3) Pen. - Humphries (3)

Cheetahs:  Tries - Michael Annies (2), Litha Nkula, Rewan Kruger, Marco Jansen van Vuren, Marko Janse van Rensburg, Sisonke Vumazonke Conv. - Clayton Blommetjies (6)

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg