Griquas skipper Xamlashe holds head high after Currie Cup agony: 'We'll remember this feeling'

Griquas captain Sango Xamlashe was visibly distraught after the final whistle in his side's 26-19 Currie Cup final loss to the Pumas in Kimberley on Saturday.

Over 11 000 spectators had crammed into Griqua Park to see their side win a first title in 52 years, but it was not to be, and coach Pieter Bergh acknowledged after the match that his charges had been outplayed while he suspected the sense of occasion had overwhelmed them.

That certainly seemed to be the case, but by the time Sport24 spoke to Xamlashe on the Griqua Park turf as the Pumas were celebrating, the 23-year-old was holding his head up high and taking the disappointment on the chin.

"Failing is tough, and learning is also tough," said Xamlashe.

"I just don't think we were good enough today. We didn't come out like the Pumas did, and we could only match them in moments. I think they really wanted it from the first to the 80th minute and they did their homework on us.

"We'll reflect on this moment. We'll remember it, and we'll come out guns blazing next year. We'll remember this feeling."

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Xamlashe also thanked the Griquas faithful for their role in what will always be a memorable day for the union, despite the result.

"I've never experienced this before," he said.

"I just want to give a big shout-out to the people of Kimberley. They came out in their numbers, and we really appreciate it. It was a big one, and we're hoping to make them proud in the seasons to come.

"It's a slip-up for us, and it might not have been the result we would have liked for the fans, but I think this is only the beginning."

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