Lions end Bulls' playoff hopes

THE Lions put an end to the visiting Bulls’ slim Currie Cup playoff hopes with a commanding 44-5 victory in the Round Six Jukskei Derby on Saturday afternoon.

- ROWAN CALLAGHAN

The result lifted the Joburg-based side to third place on the log, above the Cheetahs on points difference, as they continued to show their dominance in the competition.

The match began with early tension, as Lions flyhalf Chris Smith kicked a penalty in the first minute following a breakdown infringement by the Bulls. Both sides played cautiously in the opening exchanges, unable to assert clear control.

However, it was the Lions who struck first with a scrappy try. A loose pass found its way to Smith, who dotted down under the posts and converted his own try to make it 10-0.

The Bulls responded quickly. A powerful forward carry by centre Cornel Smit and prop Simphiwe Matanzima set up flyhalf Jaco van der Walt, who powered over for the Bulls' only try of the match. Van der Walt’s score narrowed the gap to 10-5.