Sharks make Griquas suffer

– The Sharks claimed an eighth successive Currie Cup win as they secured a bonus-point 40-22 win over Griquas in Kimberley yesterday.

Although this was far from a complete performance from the Sharks, they did enough to comfortably claim all five log points to move well clear at the top of the overall standings.

The Durban-based side now look certain to finish the pool stages in pole position – with just four more regular-season rounds of action remaining – while Griquas appear destined to end up with the wooden spoon

Griquas made an encouraging start to proceedings when centre Kyle Steyn scored early on, but the Sharks hit straight back as Marius Louw, above, darted through a gap in the defence to dot down in the sixth minute.

The Sharks had dominated possession and territory during the opening stanza, and were duly rewarded just before the break when prop Ross Geldenhuys barged over to score. That gave them a handy 19-7 lead, and although George Whitehead drew three points back for Griquas soon after the restart, Louw secured his brace just moments later.

Just before the hour mark, Daniel dotted down under the posts for the Sharks’ fifth try, and although Griquas winger Enver Brandt showed great strength to score next, there was always going to be too much ground for the hosts to make up.

Meanwhile, the Pumas produce another giant-killing act with a 22-12 victory over Western Province last night. – ANA

Kimberley