MULTIMEDIA: Lions delight fans in Currie Cup match
MALANSHOF – The Toyota Cheetahs beats Xerox Golden Lions in an exciting match at the Morgan Group Diggers Rugby Football Club.
Morgan Group Diggers Rugby Football Club (DRFC) hosted the Xerox Golden Lions and Toyota Cheetahs in their Currie Cup match.
The Lions could not stop the attacking force that was the Cheetahs, who won 29–15 on 7 May.
Marc Baker, vice chairperson of the Malanshof-based Morgan Group DRFC , said, “It is great to see so many local rugby fans coming to our grounds to witness our boys in red play. We are honoured to have been able to host such a great day of rugby.”
A sea of red supporters could be seen from the stands as local fans piled into the grounds to support their beloved Lions team. CEO of the Golden Lions Rugby Union, Rudolf Straeuli said, “We are delighted to be bringing the Lions rugby back to club rugby, it is nice to see the crowd out here.”
Listen to Staeuli talk about the turnout and what they expect further:
Shortly after kick-off, the Cheetahs secured a penalty and put the first three points on the board.
The Lions retaliated with a penalty kick of their own, leaving the score an even 3–3. The first converted try of the game went to the Cheetahs, furthering their lead to 10–3. The team then scored another try but failed to convert it.
Throughout the game, the Lions used the positive energy exuding from the crowd to put on a strong defence. Minutes before half time, the Lions scored a try, finishing the half behind at 15–8.
Positive play from the Lions continued in the second half when they converted the next try, evening the score at 15–15. This was followed by a try and conversion by the Cheetahs which set the tone for the end of the game.
The Cheetahs finished off with yet another converted try and won the Currie Cup match 29–15.
Cheetahs coach MJ Smith said, “We are obviously happy about the win, it is always tough playing in Joburg, the Lions are a special breed of rugby players.”
Listen to what Smith further said about the game:
Bafana Nhleko, coach of the Lions, commented, “We had a lot of opportunities which we didn’t take because we just couldn’t play up front… although I think the boys showed great character.”
Listen to more from Nhleko:
