The Suzuki Griquas produced a ruthless and record-breaking performance as they thrashed the Border Bulldogs 118-3 in a completely one-sided SA Cup encounter. Scoring 18 tries and conceding just a single penalty, the visitors dominated every aspect of the match from kickoff to final whistle.
First-Half Domination
The match was barely underway when Gurshwin Nikhole Wehr (2′) crossed for the first try, setting the tone for what would be a relentless onslaught. The Griquas piled on points at will:
- Athenkosi Khethani (13′), Gustav Tiaan Du Rand (18′, 24′, 39′), Dylan Maart (29′), Wehr again (35′), and Marco De Witt (45′) all scored, with George Whitehead contributing six conversions to give the visitors a massive 45-3 halftime lead.
The Border Bulldogs’ only points came via a Maxwell Klaasen penalty (12′), but their hopes were further dashed when they began to rack up four yellow cards and one red card, starting with Klaasen himself (24’).
Second-Half Annihilation
The second half saw the Griquas step on the gas even further, running in 11 more tries:
- Stephan Smit (62′), Connor Mahoney (68′), Sako Makata (72′, 75′), and Gurshwin Wehr (70′, 75′) all scored, with Thomas Bursey adding seven conversions from the tee.
- Dylan Maart, already on the scoresheet, completed his hat-trick with tries in the 64′ and 66′ minutes.
- Replacement hooker Dandre Delport (52′, 78′) also bagged a brace.
Griquas used their bench to full effect, seamlessly maintaining their structure and pace, while the Bulldogs fell apart under the pressure.
Discipline Disaster for Border
The home side were not only outplayed but also let down by poor discipline. Yellow cards were handed to Maxwell Klaasen, Soso Xakalashe, Chucky Ismail, and Luxolo Koza, while Xakalashe received a second card and a red late in the match to cap off a miserable afternoon.
Star Performers
- Gurshwin Nikhole Wehr (Griquas) – A devastating presence out wide, scoring four tries and a conversion.
- Dylan Maart (Griquas) – Finished with a hat-trick after replacing an injured Tertius Kruger early in the game.
- Gustav Tiaan Du Rand (Griquas) – The hooker was lethal close to the line with a first-half hat-trick.
- Thomas Bursey & George Whitehead (Griquas) – Shared the kicking duties effectively with a combined 13 conversions.
Final Thoughts
This 118-3 hammering will go down as one of the most lopsided results in SA Cup history. The Suzuki Griquas were clinical, composed, and utterly dominant, delivering a clear message to the rest of the competition.
For the Border Bulldogs, it was a day to forget, and significant work lies ahead in addressing their defensive structures, discipline, and morale.
