The Fidelity ADT Lions claimed a 39-22 bonus-point win against the NovaVit Griffons in Welkom on Friday as they wrapped up their 2023 Currie Cup campaign.

The men from Johannesburg came into this fixture needing a big win to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. They made a series of early statements, and by half-time they had secured the four-try bonus-point, racing to a 26-7 lead.

The loss of big lock Ruben Schoeman to a yellow card towards the end of the first half, however, stalled their momentum. The NovaVit Griffons hit back early in the second stanza, scoring two tries.

Jaywinn Juries slotted a penalty goal in the 57th minute to reduce the deficit to seven points. Sanele Nohamba responded for the visitors, though, kicking a three-pointer to restore the 10-point buffer.

The men in red and white scored a converted try at the death to secure a win and improve their overall points-difference. The win in Welkom did not secure a play-off spot, however the bonus point result is a boost in confidence for greater things to come for the Johannesburg-based franchise.

Fidelity ADT Lions head coach, Mziwakhe Nkosi:

“We’re largely happy considering the bout of flu that hit us on Thursday and the changes we had to make. We’ve done what we can so let’s see how things unfold. I fear we’ll come short though, don’t think we’ve done enough to sneak into the play-offs.” he concluded.

Scorers:

NovaVit Griffons 22 (7) – Tries: Rian Olivier, Carel-Jan Coetzee, HP van Schoor. Conversions: Jaywinn Juries (2). Penalty goal: Juries.

Fidelity ADT Lions 39 (26) – Tries: JC Pretorius, Ruben Schoeman, Boldwin Hansen, Jaco Visagie, Raynard Roets. Conversions: Sanele Nohamba (3). Penalty goals: Nohamba (2).