Currie Cup semi race close

GRIQUAS coach Dawie Theron believes that the race for Currie Cup semi-final positions will be one of the closest contests in recent years.

With only two rounds of league fixtures remaining in the competition, one point separates the Sharks (45) and Western Province (44) at the top of the log. Both teams will be aiming to end the season in pole position to set them up for a possible home final on the October 31.However, four other teams – G Griquas (38), Blue Bulls (36), Lions (32) and the Free State Cheetahs (30) are also all still in the hunt for a semi-final spot.The Blue Bulls beat the Cheetahs 30-27 at Loftus on Saturday, while WP kept the pressure on the Currie Cup log-leaders, the Sharks, following their clinical 43-3 victory over Griquas at a wet and rainy Newlands on Saturday.The Lions also kept their mathematical chances alive of claiming a Currie Cup semi final spot following their comprehensive 88-15 victory over the Boland Cavaliers at Coca-Cola Park on Saturday.The Sharks retained their lead at the top of the Currie Cup following their 34-20 win over the Leopards in Durban on Friday night. Andries Strauss scored two tries with the hosts while wingers Luzuko Vulindlu and Lwazi Mvovo, flanker Jacques Botes and lock Albert van den Berg also all scored five-pointers for the reigning champions. Juan Hernandez and Monty Dumond each kicked a conversion.RW Kember and Jovan Bowles were the try-scorers for theLeopards. Clayton Durand and Jean Tiedt converted both tries respectively. Tiedt also kicked two penalties. – Nampa-Sapa