The GWK Griquas came back strongly in the second half to beat the Steval Pumas 21-19 in the first-leg Absa Currie Cup promotion / relegation match in Kimberley tonight. The Pumas lead for 79 minutes.

The Pumas were outpowered  by the home side in the second half, after Griquas battled to gel in the first.  Griquas scored a push-over try in the last minute of the game and Gouw Prinsloo converted from the left touch line, to take the lead for the first time and win the game.

Griquas dominated possession and territory throughout the match. They outscrummed the Pumas and stuck to a expansive and brave game plan.

They kicked every goalable penalty into touch and had no desire to score three pointers.

The Steval Pumas impressed in the first half with scraps of possession but wilted in the last 40 minutes as Griquas took control. The Pumas lineouts were solid and they competed well at the breakdown.

The Pumas lead 13-0 at half time after a try from Wilmaure Louw and a conversion and two penalties from Carl Bezuidenhout.

Griquas Carl Greef scored the first try of the second half. The Pumas defended well up until then but eventually the overlap was created. Jean Stemmet ran through poor Pumas tackling to claim Griquas second try.  Gouw Prinsloo converted both.

The Pumas only points in the second half were two penalty kicks from JC Roos.

The Pumas were always in the lead for 79 minutes, but seldom in total control. Once the Griquas engine started running at full revs it seemed only a matter of time before they would take the lead. Griquas left it very late but deserved the victory.

The Griquas fans erupted when Marnus Schoeman  went over for the score-equalling try. With the scores locked at 19-19 and time on the clock up, Prinsloo coolly stroked the conversion over the cross bar from the left touch line.

Griquas outscored the Pumas 21 – 6 in the second half. They handled the pressure better that the visitors.

The Pumas will come home with a vital bonus point while the Griquas take 4 points into the second leg.

The Pumas home leg kicks off at 19:10 next Friday at Mbombela Stadium.

The Pumas must win and deny Griquas any bonus points to gain promotion to the Premier Division.