WP suffer huge Currie Cup playoff blow as Griquas fire in Kimberley

While they secured a bonus point for scoring four tries, Western Province's 38-29 loss to Griquas in their Currie Cup clash in Kimberley on Friday severely dented their chances of qualifying for the playoffs. 

RECAP | Griquas v Western Province

The match started brightly enough for John Dobson's charges as it took just five minutes for Western Province to open the scoring when Marcel Theunissen bashed his way over from a ruck close to the Griquas line.

Rookie flyhalf Jurie Matthee slotted a tricky conversion to give the visitors a 7-0 lead. 

Griquas immediately hit back following a clever attacking move from a lineout close to the Province line that allowed lock Dylan Sjöblom to cross the whitewash.

The accurate boot of fullback George Whitehead then tied up proceedings at 7-7 after 10 minutes.

Leolin Zas's breakaway was the catalyst for the next try and a 12-7 lead as Western Province regained their advantage through scrumhalf Paul Delport.

In the 28th minute, Griquas were reduced to 14 men when Thabo Ndimande was sent to the bin for 10 minutes following a cynical foul with Western Province on the attack in the Griquas' 22-metre area. 

While they initially struggled to take advantage of their extra man, Province eventually extended their lead in the 37th minute when Theunissen crashed over for his second following a period of sustained pressure by the visitors. 

Mathee added the extras as Province opened their lead to 19-7 on the brink of half-time.

Griquas had the final say of the half, however, when Jay-Cee Nel profited from a Rosco Spekman hack ahead to collect the ball and dot down.

Whitehead added the conversion as the teams went into the shed at the break with Province leading 19-14. 

Griquas hit the front five minutes into