The Fidelity ADT Lions scored four tries in the 32-12 win against DHL WP on Friday to keep their hopes alive in competition where play-off positions have reached crunch time.

The visitors enjoyed the best possible start after Edwill van der Merwe crossed the line. The speedster, a former DHL WP flyer, scored his second try in the 36th minute, before the hosts clawed their way back into the contest.

The hosts were awarded a penalty try on the stroke of half-time, and Springbok prop Ruan Dreyer was sent to the sin bin. The visitors went into the sheds with a modest 17-12 lead.

The side from Johannesburg shifted gears after half-time, with flanker Ruan Venter scoring a brace. Sanele Nohamba kept the scoreboard ticking over via his accurate kicking boot, and finished the game with a personal tally of 10 points.

Fidelity ADT Lions head coach Mziwakhe Nkosi:

“The bonus point was important for us against a very talented Western Province team. It was a tough encounter, one which saw us make close 120 tackles- so to come out on top is a massive win for us.”

Scorers:

DHL WP 12 (12) – Tries: Mnombo Zwelendaba, Penalty try.

Fidelity ADT Lions 32 (17) – Tries: Edwill van der Merwe (2), Ruan Venter (2). Conversions: Sanele Nohamba (2), Andries Coetzee. Penalty goals: Nohamba (2).