A carnival atmosphere welcomed the Carling Currie Cup players at Grizzlies Rugby Club yesterday, but the only team partying were Griquas, who dominated in every way that mattered against the Vodacom Bulls.
The visitors won 42-21.
It was a forlorn performance by the hosts who struggled in the set pieces and allowed Griquas too much time on the ball. Their momentum was seldom repelled and their blend of power and pace were crucial in submitting a callow Vodacom Bulls side, who fell to their third successive defeat.
After an encouraging start, which included an early try by fullback Stravino Jacobs, the Bulls were rocked back by a resolute Griquas who punished the Bulls’ casual defence and scored three tries.
Things worsened after the break as captain Nama Xaba was yellow-carded for a dangerous tackle. Among the measures to stem the tide was a call-up for veteran Josh Strauss, who made his way into the action in the 48th minute. If nothing else, it illustrated the depth of the squad’s mounting injuries with the assistant coach happy to offer his services.
Apart from two late scores, the Bulls had few chances in a luckless second half. Attacks were snuffed out by an inspired Griquas and there were few openings in this showdown west of Pretoria where supporters could savour a good time but not a good result.
BULLS SCORERS
Tries: Stravino Jacobs, Junior Pokomela, Katlego Letebele.
Conversions: Boeta Chamberlain (3).
