Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
Cheetahs hand WP second loss on the trot
CHEETAHS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 (25) WESTERN PROVINCE . . . . . . . . . . . .21 (15) CHAMPIONS Western Province slumped to their second successive Currie Cup defeat when they were stunned 28-21 by the Free State Cheetahs in Bloemfontein last night.
WP found themselves underneath their own poles as early as the second minute when Cheetahs loose forward Niell Jordaan charged down Demetri Catrakilis’ kick. The big No 8 managed to control the ball with his feet before diving onto the ball to score.
And from there, it turned out be a nightmare first quarter for the defending champions.
Cheetahs flyhalf Fred Zeilinga extended his side’s lead after the visitors were pinged for offside play at a ruck in the sixth minute, but missed a similar chance a few minutes later.
Catrakilis, who had a shocking opening quarter, then put Province’s first points on the board with a penalty in the 13th minute.
But the Cheetahs hit back with a rather easy try in the 16th minute.
The Bloemfontein side kicked for touch after Cheslin Kolbe was pinged for not releasing the ball in the tackle. From the resulting lineout, the Cheetahs’ forwards went on the drive and just when their momentum was halted, scrumhalf Shaun Venter ran through a gaping hole to score under the sticks.
After Zeilinga kicked another penalty to make it 183, the Cheetahs then scored the try of the match from a turnover just outside their 22metre area .
WP flank Sikhumbuzo Notshe couldn’t hold on to an awkward pass from Rynhardt Elstadt, and Cheetahs speedster Raymond Rhule picked up and sprinted down field. Rhule then cut inside, before offloading to Rayno Benjamin to score.
WP started to put some phases together and finally scored their first try of the game after a dominant scrum in the 32nd minute. After a slick move between captain Nizaam Carr and scrumhalf Godlen Masimla, the No 9 put Seabelo Senatla away in the corner.
WP then ended the half strong, and went into the break 25-15 after Elstadt scored from a rehearsed lineout move, which saw Alistair Vermaak break away before feeding the big flank on his inside.
The second half, though, wasn’t as entertaining. WP tried to fight their way back, and actually dominated after replacement pivot Kurt Coleman came on the field. But the Cape side could only show two penalties for their efforts through his boot.
The Cheetahs added three more points via the boot of Sias Ebersohn in the second half to record a famous victory. Fullback Clayton Blommetjies was named Man of the Match.