A Semi-Final Years in the Making
In the build-up, Griquas knew we carried momentum. We had already beaten the Cheetahs three times this season, including a 40-10 demolition in Bloemfontein. But playoff rugby is a different beast, and the visitors arrived determined to flip the script.
The stadium buzzed hours before kick-off. Blue jerseys and flags filled the stands, while the smell of braai smoke filled the air. The crowd knew the stakes: win, and the dream of a Currie Cup title lives on; lose, and the fairytale ends.
OFM Challenge Cup
This clash wasn’t just about booking a place in the Carling Currie Cup Final — it carried even more weight. As a fierce derby between neighbours, it also doubled as the battle for the OFM Challenge Cup. Determined to keep the silverware in Kimberley, the Griquas left no doubt about their intent to defend the title for another season.
Lightning Start From the Hosts
When the referee blew his whistle, Griquas wasted no time. Just minutes in, lock Albert Liebenberg crashed over after brilliant lead-up work from centre Zane Bester. The roar that followed rattled off the stadium’s floodlights.
Barely a minute later, the home side struck again. Winger Dylan Maart pounced on a half-charged kick and sprinted clear, leaving defenders in his wake. The crowd erupted as Griquas stormed to a 12-0 lead inside the first 10 minutes — a dream start in a high-stakes clash.
Cheetahs Fight Back
The Cheetahs, however, weren’t going to roll over. Their danger man Prince Nkabinde found space down the wing and dotted down in the 13th minute to claw it back to 12-5.
For the rest of the half, the men from Bloemfontein pressed hard, but Griquas’ defence held firm. Every tackle was met with cheers from the Kimberley faithful, every turnover greeted like a try. At halftime, the hosts held a slender but vital seven-point lead.
Maart Magic Seals It
The second half began George Whitehead slotting a penalty to stretch the cushion. The turning point, though, came in the 56th minute. After a powerful Griquas maul sucked in defenders, the ball was spun wide to Maart, who dived into the corner for his second try of the night. You will struggle to find a better finish. Whitehead’s conversion pushed the score to 22-5, and the stadium erupted with chants of “Griekwas! Griekwas!”
From there, the Cheetahs threw everything they had. They camped in Griquas’ half, probing, pounding, looking for a way back. But every time, the home defence stood tall. Turnovers, line-out steals, scrambling tackles — it was a defensive masterclass.
Another Whitehead penalty in the closing minutes sealed the result: 25-5.
The Kimberley Cauldron
If the players provided the muscle, the crowd provided the heartbeat. With nearly every seat filled, Suzuki Stadium rocked from the opening whistle. The noise after Maart’s tries could be felt in your chest, and the tension in the stands as the Cheetahs pressed was almost unbearable.
For many fans, this was the moment they had waited decades for: Griquas, on home soil, under the lights, defeating their neighbours to earn a shot at Currie Cup glory.
What’s Next
The victory sets up a mouth-watering Currie Cup Final clash against the Lions at Ellis Park. For the Griquas, it’s a chance to etch their name in history and prove once again why Kimberley is the heartbeat of South African rugby.
Standout Performers
Dylan Maart – Two tries, pace, and ice-cold finishing made him the undisputed man of the match.
Griquas Defence – From the forwards grinding at the breakdown to the backs scrambling in the corners, the collective effort suffocated the Cheetahs.
Final Whistle: Under the glow of the Kimberley floodlights, the Griquas gave their supporters a night to remember. From the opening blitz to the closing celebrations, this was semi-final rugby at its most thrilling. Next stop: Ellis Park, where history beckons.
SCORES
Suzuki Griquas 25 – Tries: Albert Leibenberg and Dylan Maart 2; Conversions: George Whitehead 2; Penalties: George Whitehead 2.
Toyota Cheetahs 5 – Try: Prince Nkimande.
