Western Province suffered a 27-23 Currie Cup defeat to Griquas in Kimberley on Friday night, ending their hopes of hosting a home semifinal.
WP went into the fixture having lost two of their four encounters in 2019, while Griquas’ position at the top of the log was the result of only one loss this season.
It took Griquas just five minutes to get on the scoreboard with a try through Ederies Arendse, who went over after the hosts capitalised on a botched kickoff.
SP Marais added some points for WP in the 25th minute only with a penalty kick (7-3), but Griquas hit back shortly afterwards for another five-pointer (14-3).
%%%twitter https://twitter.com/hashtag/GRIvWP?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GRIvWP
— WP RUGBY (@WP_RUGBY)
Marais added another penalty to take the score to 14-6, but George Whitehead responded for Griquas not too long after that to take the score to 17-6.
Speedster Seabelo Senatla got WP’s first try after the ball was moved wide following a maul (17-11), but it didn’t take the hosts long to hit back.
Arendse got his brace, which took the score to 24-11, and Whitehead stretched that lead when he slotted another three-pointer in the 70th minute.
WP got a late try through replacement loosie Nama Xaba and another through Senatla in the dying seconds.
Province next face the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.
Griquas:
Tries: Ederies Arendse (2), Eduan Keyter;
Conversions: George Whitehead (3);
Penalties: Whitehead (2).
Western Province:
Tries: Seabelo Senatla (2), Nama Xaba.
Conversion: SP Marais.
Penalties: Marais (2).
Weekend Currie Cup results:
- Golden Lions 28, Sharks 30;
- Pumas 37, FS Cheetahs 43.