It was a case of mission accomplished for the Natal Sharks as they held on to defeat Currie Cup Top Eight wooden spoonists Nashua Griquas 35-33 in a thrilling rugby match played at the Absa Park Stadium on Saturday and in doing so cement top spot on the log.

The halftime score was 25-13 in the visitors favour. It was the Sharks' three try scoring burst just into the second quarter of the first half that clinched the match and a vital bonus point for Mark Andrews' men.

The injury-hit Griqua squad lost the services of both scrumhalf Christoff Lotter and fullback Kosie van Wyk in the first half and strong-running centre Dries Scholtz in the last quarter.

The home side played the game for the last 10 minutes one player short when No 8 Bok Markram limped off and Griquas having used all of their replacements.
Opening up a 22-6 lead after trailing 6-0 in the 13th minute the Sharks knew they had a game on their hands when the young Griquas centre pairing of George Binikos, who played a blinder, and Scholtz combined to score the try of the match just before the break.

Despite Andrews being yellow-carded in the eight minute of the second half the Sharks led 28-16 after 53 minutes. A second Griqua goal and penalty to the Sharks fourth try made it 35-26 to the visiors going into the final 15 minutes.

Griquas, superbly led by lock Victor Matfield in his final match for the province, finishing strongly slashed the Sharks lead to two points with another goal but were just unable to convert consitent closing pressure into matchwinning points.

Scorers:
Sharks - Tries: Stephen Brink (2), Stefan Terblance, Rodger Smith; Penalties: Gaffie du Toit (3); Conversions: Du Toit (3).
Griquas - George Binikos, Dries Scholtz, Dirkie Strydom; Conversions: Strydom (3); Penalties: Strydom (4).