Lions top Currie Cup log as Cheetahs and Boland stumble

The Fidelity ADT Lions have moved to the top of the Carling Currie Cup Premier Division log after the competition's two form teams, the Toyota Cheetahs and Sanlam Boland Kavaliers, both suffered their first defeats of the season in round three.

The Lions, Suzuki Griquas and DHL Stormers XXIII all won at home over the weekend, while the Airlink Pumas were the only away side to claim victory.

Griquas edged out a spirited Cheetahs side 24-21 in Kimberley on Friday, scoring four tries to three to hold off a fightback from the defending log leaders. Faf de Klerk and Juan Venter were both sin-binned for the visitors during a tense finish.

The Stormers XXIII, beaten heavily by Boland the previous week, bounced back with a 36-28 bonus-point win over the Hollywoodbets Sharks XV at DHL Stadium, crossing for five tries to secure maximum log points.

At UJ Stadium on Saturday, the Lions overwhelmed the Vodacom Bulls XV 42-19 in the Jukskei Derby, racing to a 28-0 half-time lead before finishing with six tries to three.

The Pumas completed the weekend's upsets on Sunday, beating Boland 20-15 in Wellington to end the Winelanders' unbeaten home run.

Nevaldo Fleurs contributed 15 points as Boland were undone by ill-discipline, conceding 12 first-half penalties and having two players yellow-carded.

After three rounds, the Lions lead on 12 points, one ahead of Griquas, who are level on points with the Cheetahs but trail on differential. Boland have slipped to fourth on 10 points, one above the Stormers XXIII. The Pumas have moved up to seven points, the Sharks XV sit on six, and the Bulls XV have managed just a single point.

SOURCE: FS Cheetahs

CAPTION: Griquas held off a spirited late fightback from the Cheetahs for a 24-21 victory in their clash in Kimberley on Friday evening.

PHOTO CREDIT: FS Cheetahs