Second-half blitz sees Lions down Sharks in Currie Cup clash

A strong second-half showing by the Lions secured them only their second Currie Cup victory of the season as they overcame the Sharks 38-32 at Kings Park in Durban.

It was the home side who took a 22-14 into half-time thanks to tries from Thembelani Bholi and Jason Alexander (2), while Joaquin Diaz Bonilla added two conversions and a penalty.

The Lions managed two tries from Henco van Wyk with Tiaan Swanepoel converting both.

The visitors dominated the start of the second half and were rewarded with two penalty tries and a converted try from lock Ruben Schoeman as they galloped into a 35-22 lead.

The Sharks, however, cut that to 35-29 with 20 minutes left in the match as winger Marnus Potgieter scored in the right-hand corner and Bonilla added a difficult conversion. 

In the 72nd minute, Swanepoel kicked a penalty to put the Lions' lead out to beyond one score at 38-29 and provide them with some breathing room. 

A Bonilla penalty on the hooter ensured the Sharks secured two bonus points from the match, which still leaves them very much in contention for the Currie Cup play-off spots. 

Scores

Sharks 32 (22)

Tries: Thembelani Bholi, Jason Alexander (2), Marnus Potgieter 

Conversions: Joaquin Diaz Bonilla (3)

Penalties: Joaquin Diaz Bonilla (2)

Lions 38 (14)

Tries: Henco van Wyk (2), Penalty try (2), Ruben Schoeman

Conversions: Tiaan Swanepoel (3)

Penalty: Tian Swanepoel