Ten attempts to end a WP drought in style…

Today at 16:43

Debutant Jonathan Roche scored a hat-trick on Sunday as DHL Western Province defeated the Griffons in Welkom to record their first victory of the 2024 Currie Cup season.

WP took a 33-10 lead at half-time and scored 10 tries in a 64-15 bonus-point victory at North West Stadium, following two defeats in rugby’s oldest competition this season.

Left winger Qamani Kota was the first to wrong-foot the home side with a well-taken penalty in the 11th minute, before Griffons’ regular mainstay Moango Ngundue fired home the game’s opening try from close range.

Kota scored a couple more times to make it 10-0 with five minutes left in the first quarter, but the visitors took the lead with touchdowns from fullbacks Angelo Davids, Luke Burger, Clayton Blommetjies and Roche and four conversions from flyhalf Jurie Matthee.

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Roche scored his second of the game shortly after half-time and WP substitute Lukhanyo Vokozela added his name to the scoreboard after right winger Christiaan Nel scored for the Griffons.

Loose forward CJ Velleman, lock Hendre Stassen and Roche crossed the white line before the final whistle, crowning a convincing result for Province in the Northern Free State.

WP will refocus on Saturday in Pretoria for a revenge match against the unbeaten Vodacom Bulls, while the still unbeaten Griffons host the reigning champions Cheetahs in five days’ time for a fourth round match.

Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images

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