Griquas tactics lauded

SUPERB: VISITORS BREAK 55-YEAR DROUGHT, LIONS FALL JUST SHORT AGAIN

- Nicholas Zaal

Lions coach Mziwakhe Nkosi praised the tactical acumen of his Griquas counterpart, Pieter Bergh, after the latter's visiting side, although smaller and vastly out-financed, won the Currie Cup final 27-25 at Ellis Park on Saturday.

Bergh, for his part, lauded his players' ability to stay in the fight and stick to the game plan, even as the Lions repeatedly retook the lead. The Lions were heavy favourites after topping the table, playing at home and thrashing the Griquas 37-7 at the same venue two weeks earlier. But Bergh said his side played with belief this time. With three tries apiece, the contest came down to kicking.