Griquas defeated the Leopards 52-35 in a Currie Cup Section Y match played at Absa Park in Kimberley on Saturday after leading 28-14 at the break.

Leopards flanker Bloues Volschenk was yellow-carded by referee Michael Katzenellbogen in the first minute of the match, with Edrich Lubbe slotting the resulting penalty to equal Boeta Wessels' Griquas points record of 673.

Lubbe, who had an excellent all-round game, went on to contribute a tally of 27 points via a try, four penalties and five conversions.

Making better use of their scoring chances and also defending with great effect for large segments of the match, Griquas were well in command, leading 45-14 with 10 minutes remaining.

But in an amazing turnaround, the Leopards ran in three converted tries inside eight minutes - right wing Lawrence Nkosi scoring two of this with some blistering running.

On the final whistle Griquas took play down the other end and ran in their sixth try, converted by Lubbe, to wrap up a 52-35 win.

In the Griqua pack flank Bertus Heunis was outstanding, as was Wessels at hooker. For the backs Scholtz with a brace of tries was most effective until coming off with a rib injury in the second half.

For the Leopards young Francois Swart, who was often under pressure, kept a cool head in the face of a tenacious Griqua loose-forward unit.

Scorers:

Griquas - Tries: Dries Scholtz (2), Edrich Lubbe, Jearus Nicholas, Hedley Wessels, Andre Vermuelen; Conversions: Lubbe (5); Penalties: Lubbe (4).

Leopards - Tries: Lawrence Nkosi (2), Bloues Volschenk, Pietie Meyer; Conversions: Francois Swart (3); Penalties: Swart (3). - Sapa