Debutant Jonathan Roche scored a hat-trick of tries as DHL Western Province thrashed the Griffons in Welkom on Sunday for their first win of the 2024 Currie Cup.
WP raced into a 33-10 half-time lead, and notched 10 tries in a bonus-point 64-15 victory at North West Stadium, following two defeats in rugby’s oldest competition this season.
Left winger Qamani Kota drew first blood for the hosts with a well-struck penalty in the 11th minute, before Griffons tighthead prop Moango Ngundue barged over from close range for the opening try of the match.
Kota added the extras to make it 10-0 with five minutes left of the first quarter but the visitors powered in front with touchdowns from backs Angelo Davids, Luke Burger, Clayton Blommetjies and Roche and four conversions from flyhalf Jurie Matthee.
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Roche banked his second of the game soon after the restart, and replacement WP hooker Lukhanyo Vokozela added his name to the scoresheet after right winger Christiaan Nel pulled one back for the Griffons.
Loose forward CJ Velleman, lock Hendre Stassen and Roche crossed the whitewash before the final hooter to cap off an emphatic result for Province in the Northern Free State.
WP will refocus for a rematch with the unbeaten Vodacom Bulls in Pretoria on Saturday while the winless Griffons host the defending champion Cheetahs for a round 4 clash in five days’ time.
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
