Second half surge sees Lions claim home Currie Cup win over Sharks

The Lions claimed their second Currie Cup win of the season as they beat the Sharks 34-22 in Johannesburg on Saturday.

FT | Lions v Sharks

The Lions opened the scoring in the 16th minute through Tiaan Swanepoel, who rounded off an excellent move by the home side.

Vaughen Isaacs missed his conversion attempt as the Lions led 5-0.

The Sharks hit back with two tries of their own to take a 12-5 lead into half-time.

The first was an unconverted effort scored by hooker Fez Mbatha in the 23rd minute, and the second was by No 8 Thembelani Bholi, with Fred Zeilinga converting.

The second half saw the Lions off to the perfect start when they were awarded a penalty try to tie things up at 12-12. 

That was extended to 19-12 as Nico Steyn crashed over from close to the line, with Isaacs adding the extras.

Steyn's second in the 66th minute wasn't converted, but now the Lions led by two scores, 24-12. 

The Sharks, however, weren't done and cut the Lions' lead to 24-19 thanks to a converted Hyron Andrews try in the 69th minute.

Four minutes before time, however, Isaacs slotted a penalty to once again put the Lions in the lead by two scores at 27-19.

A penalty from Lionel Cronje gave the Sharks a chance at a last-minute win, but it was the Lions who had the last say as Ruhan Straeuli scored after the final whistle to close out the game for the home side. 

Scorers

Lions

Tries: Tiaan Swanepoel, Penalty try, Nico Steyn (2), Ruhan Straeuli

Conversions: Vaughen Isaacs (2)

Penalties: Vaughen Isaacs

Sharks

Tries: Fez Mbatha, Thembelani Bholi, Hyron Andrews 

Conversions: Fred Zeilinga, Lionel Cronje

Penalties: Lionel Cronje