Tries galore as SA Cup lifts off with a bang

The four Currie Cup Premier Division sides all reigned supreme in the first round of the inaugural SA Cup, which was played over the weekend, while Eastern Province won a thrilling contest against the Valke in Gqeberha.

A total of 49 tries were scored at an average of just under 10 per game, with the biggest contributors Suzuki Griquas (14) – who also kept a clean sheet on defence – and the NovaVit Griffons (eight).

The NovaVit Griffons outplayed Border 52-8 in Welkom; the Toyota Cheetahs won their home tie 38-7 against the Sanlam Boland Kavaliers – now coached by former Cheetahs mentor Hawies Fourie – in Bloemfontein; the Airlink Pumas outscored Pangela SWD Eagles 43-22 in George; and Suzuki Griquas cruised to an 88-0 victory over the Leopards in Kimberley.

EP won their clash with Valke 31-27 after a strong comeback in the second half where they managed to erase a halftime deficit of 27-10.

The action continues this weekend with five more games scheduled for Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

NOVAVIT GRIFFONS TOO STRONG FOR BULLDOGS

In Welkom, the NovaVit Griffons scored eight tries on their way to a comprehensive 52-8 triumph over the visiting Border Bulldogs at the Down Touch Investments Stadium on Sunday afternoon, following their 24-3 halftime lead.

Fullback Domenic Smit bagged a hat-trick of tries for the purple jerseys, while halfbacks Jaywinn Juries (scrumhalf) and Danrich Visagie (flyhalf) each succeeded with three conversions.

Border flyhalf Layron Milborrow scored a penalty goal in the first half and outside centre Awonke Sondishe dotted down a late consolation try.

Scorers:

NovaVit Griffons 52 (24) – Tries: Domenic Smit (3), Dandre Delport, Duren Hoffman, Gurshwin Wehr, Michael Benadie, HP van Schoor. Conversions: