By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
In a bruising coastal derby, the Hollywoodbets Sharks sealed a second consecutive victory over DHL Stormers in the United Rugby Championship (URC).
The visitors delivered a much-improved performance after last weekend’s loss; however, the Sharks were in the driving seat for most of the game, to score five brilliant tries to beat the Stormers 36-24.
Stormers made a fast start as they won a penalty at the kick-off and a quick tap from Cobus Reinach saw the scrumhalf go over for the opener.
The home side hit back with a try from scrumhalf Grant Williams after Paul de Villiers had been shown a yellow card for repeated infringements.
The visitors took the advantage back briefly through a penalty from Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, before the lead changed hands again, with centre Ethan Hooker diving over a ruck to score the second try for the Durban side.
However, the Stormers dug deep and responded with three long-range penalties from Feinberg-Mngomezulu, which saw them take a slender 17-14 lead into the break.
Stormers were first to score in the second half as De Villiers went over after running a great angle in the 22.
However, the Durban side hit back with tries from skipper Andre Esterhuizen and wing Jaco Williams to retake the lead at 28-24 heading into the last 30 minutes.
Jordan Hendrikse kicked a penalty and Williams scored again near the end to seal the win.
Sharks – Tries: Grant Williams, Ethan Hooker, André Esterhuizen, Jaco Williams (2). Conversions: Jordan Hendrikse (4). Penalty: Hendrikse
Stormers – Tries: Cobus Reinach, Paul de Villiers. Conversion: Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu. Penalties: Feinberg-Mngomezulu (4).
Meanwhile the Vodacom Bulls avoided back-to-back defeats against the Lions by claiming a commanding 52-17 United Rugby Championship victory at Ellis Park on Saturday.
Lions – Tries: Morne van den Berg, Bronson Mills. Conversions: Chris Smith (2). Penalty: Smith.
Bulls – Tries: Harold Vorster (2), Johan Grobbelaar, Handre Pollard, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Embrose Papier, Mpilo Gumede, Keagan Johannes. Conversions: Handre Pollard (6).