Donavan Don scored in the dying moments to hand the Boland Cavaliers a dramatic 37-35 win over the Cheetahs in Wellington.
CAVALIERS RACE OUT OF THE BLOCKS
Boland dominated early proceedings, smashing into contact and putting pressure on the Cheetahs at scrum time and the breakdown.
Fullback James Tedder slotted two penalties to reward Boland’s pressure and maintain the scoreboard pressure against an unsettled Cheetahs side. Ashlon Davids finished a flowing move to score the opening try, with Tedder’s conversion pushing Boland into a 13–0 lead.
The Cheetahs were punished for sloppy restarts and lineout errors as Boland enjoyed almost complete control in the first quarter. Hooker Marko Janse van Rensburg pounced on an overthrow to grab Free State’s first try and shift momentum toward the visitors.
CHEETAHS RALLY BUT BOLAND STRIKE BACK
Scrumhalf Rewan Kruger darted through a gap to score and give the Cheetahs a 14–13 lead midway through the half. David Brits hit back almost immediately for Boland after poor Cheetahs defence allowed him space out wide to dive over.
Gideon van der Merwe was yellow-carded, and Boland capitalised as Davids raced away to score his second of the match.
The hosts led 27–14 at half-time, having bounced back from a mini wobble with sharp counter-attacking play and clinical finishing. Despite Boland’s strong finish to the half, the Cheetahs showed signs they still had more to offer after the break.
CHEETAHS DOMINATE THIRD QUARTER
Replacement Carel-Jan Coetzee finished a solid phase buildup to get the Cheetahs going early in the second half.
Van der Merwe made amends with a powerful try from close range, before Vernon Paulo rumbled over to make it 35–27.
Boland’s energy dipped noticeably as the visitors took control of possession, territory and tempo midway through the second period.
The Cheetahs looked set for victory before Paulo’s late yellow card shifted momentum at the worst possible moment. Marcqiewn Titus scored on the stroke of full-time, giving Boland a shot at a miracle comeback win in added time.
THE DON WINS IT IN EXTRA TIME FOR BOLAND
Boland retained the restart and launched wave after wave of attacks against a desperate Cheetahs defence in added time. Cheetahs tackled bravely but couldn’t clear their lines or force a turnover during nearly eight minutes of extra time.
Eventually, Donavon Don found space and sprinted clear to score the match-winning try and spark wild celebrations in Wellington. It was a moment of composure, precision and pace as Don read the defence perfectly and finished under heavy pressure.
Boland next face Griquas in Kimberley, while the Cheetahs regroup at home ahead of a clash with the Pumas.
WHICH PROVINCIAL SIDE WILL BE CROWNED CURRIE CUP CHAMPIONS THIS YEAR?
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WHICH PROVINCIAL SIDE WILL BE CROWNED CURRIE CUP CHAMPIONS THIS YEAR?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.
Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
