Cheetahs secure Currie Cup double over Griffons in weather-affected Free State derby

The Free State Cheetahs completed their Currie Cup season double over their provincial neighbours the Griffons through a severely weather affected 33-10 win at the Free State Stadium on Friday.

What should have been a festive occasion for a stalwart like Teboho 'Oupa' Mohoje, who featured in his 100th game for the province, was understandably delayed by lightning and inclement weather in the Mangaung area.

Oupa Mohoje!! What a LEGEND!@OupsMo@ToyotaSA pic.twitter.com/qk5D7tZyxp

The game was slated to start at 19:00, but was moved to 19:15, from where it became clear that a later start, if not a cancellation, may be necessary.

However, the game did start at 21:30, and with three first-half tries scored by Tapiwa Mafura and Daniel Maartens, the hosts took a 21-3 lead with the visitors only having a Robbie Petzer penalty to show for their efforts.

WATCH | Lightning, rain sees Cheetahs Currie Cup clash against Griffons delayed

The Cheetahs added two second-half tries from Maartens and Evardi Boshoff in the 54th and 78th minutes either side of the converted Griffons' try by Duren Hoffman to give the host a bonus point win.

The Cheetahs' win, their sixth of the season, allowed them to be at the top of the table with 31 points, two more than the second-placed Pumas, who lost to the Lions 26-10 earlier on Friday evening.

Scorers:

Free State Cheetahs: 33 (21)

Tries: Daniel Maartens (2), Tapiwa Mafura (2), Evardi Boshoff

Conversions: Siya Masuku (4)

Griffons: 10 (3)

Try: Duren Hoffman

Conversion: Jaywinn Juries

Penalty: Robbie Petzer