The Tafel Lager Griquas were in fine form as they beat the Vodacom Blue Bulls 38-17 (half-time 21-7) in their SuperSport Rugby Challenge North Section match at Tafel Lager Park in Kimberley on Saturday afternoon.
The home team started off strongly as wing Ederies Arendse dotted down in the 9th minute for a converted try by flyhalf George Whitehead but the Vodacom Blue Bulls drew level minutes later as former Springbok wing, Travis Ismaiel, scored. Flyhalf Fiela Boshoff added the extras.
The visitors’ try seemed to light a fire in the bellies of the Kimberley side as they scored two more tries in the first half courtesy of hooker AJ le Roux and inside centre Andre Swarts in the 21st and 27th minute respectively.
Whitehead’s converted both tries to hand the Peacock Blues a 21-7 lead which remained unchanged until the half-time hooter.
The men from Pretoria ensured that they were the first to score when the match resumed as inside centre JT Jackson added his name to the try scoring list and Boshoff made no mistake with the extras.
Jackson closed the gap on the scoreboard with a penalty goal four minutes later.
The Vodacom Blue Bulls strong start to the second half came to an abrupt end in 55th minute as flank Sias Koen smashed his way over the whitewash to score which was duly converted by Whitehead.
Whitehead, who had a flawless game with the boot, stretched the home team’s lead with a penalty kick.
Arendse bagged his brace with 14 minutes left on the clock while Whitehead’s conversion was once again the final points scored in the match as the Tafel Lager Griquas emerged 38-17 victors against the Vodacom Blue Bulls and kept their unbeaten streak in check.
Scorers
Tafel Lager Griquas – Tries: Ederies Arendse (2), AJ le Roux, Andre Swarts, Sias Koen. Conversions: George Whitehead (5). Penalty: Whitehead.
Vodacom Blue Bulls – Tries: Travis Ismaiel, JT Jackson. Conversions: Fiela Boshoff (2). Penalty: Jackson.
