Currie Cup: Lions down Sharks as Province fall to Griquas

It's the second win on the trot for the Gauteng outfit, who started the season with back-to-back losses, and moves them into the top four of the standings.

The Lions' impressive fullback Tiaan Swanepoel scored an early try to put the hosts in the lead at Ellis Park, but the Sharks responded with five-pointers from forwards Fez Mbatha and Thembelani Bholi to take a 12-5 lead into the break.

A yellow card to replacement hooker Masikane Mazwi early in the second half proved to be a very costly one for the visitors, however, as the Lions hit back with a brace of tries from scrumhalf Nico Steyn to take control of the contest.

The Sharks continued to fight and kept the contest alive when lock Hyron Andrews went over, but after the two teams exchanged penalties, the Lions had the final say when Ruhan Straeuli scored at the death to secure a full haul of five points for his side.

In Cape Town, Griquas secured a bonus-point victory over Western Province with a remarkable comeback in their Currie Cup match.

Griquas displayed resilience in the latter half and clinched a bonus-point victory of 32-13 over Province.

Two quick tries after half-time marked the turnaround for the Kimberley team, as they secured their fifth consecutive Currie Cup win over the Cape Town giants.

Despite a spirited display from the Cape side in the first half, earning them a converted try and two penalty goals, they fell short of their third win in the competition.

Griquas' triumph marked their second victory, and although the DHL Stadium produced some excellent tries earlier, both teams struggled to perform well.

Griquas' tries came from Fouche, Oranje, Nel, and Pretorius, with Whitehead's excellent kicking ensuring the conversions and adding two penalties to build the lead.