Lions fight back to beat out Sharks

On Saturday evening (22 September 2012), the Golden Lions showed a gutsy comeback to defeat the Sharks 28-22 in a thrilling match at Coca-Cola Park, Johannesburg.

Penalties were traded between the two goal kickers, which saw Elton Jantjies and Meyer Bosman getting their respective teams on the scoreboard; but it was the visitors who crossed the whitewash first.

Odwa Ndungane was on the end of a prolonged attacking period by the Sharks, in which Lwazi Mvovo and captain Keegan Daniels gained significant ground ahead of the try.

Sharks scrumhalf Cobus Reinach also got his name on the try-scorer list after he picked up from the back of the scrum and showed some good footwork to get over the line.

The Lions were kept in the game, thanks to Elton Jantjies, who slotted a number penalties to close the gap.

Lions fullback Andries Coetzee then ignited the home side with a dazzling chip kick, which he regathered and distributed to winger Ruan Combrinck who dived over on the left.

Loose forward Jaco Kriel then put the nail in the coffin for the Sharks, as he picked up a loose ball on the half-way line and showed incredible pace to outstrip the Sharks defense.

The Lions managed to hold out the 6 point lead until the end, with Butch James making a pivotal hit on Keegan Daniels moments after coming on, and the forwards putting in some solid work to win the ball ahead of the final whistle.

Scorers:

Golden Lions:

Tries: Ruan Combrinck, Jaco Kriel.

Penalties: Elton Jantjies (6)

Sharks:

Tries: Odwa Ndungane, Cobus Reinach.

Penalties: Meyer Bosman (4)