Lions outclass a Shell-Shocked WP
The free-running home side dominated from start to finish.
They outscored their visitors nine tries to four as they secured their bonus point after just 30 minutes.
As expected the game was played at a frenetic pace with both sides trying to keep the ball in hand at every opportunity.
But although Province tried their best to stay in touch with their hosts, they went off the boil as the game progressed.
Marnitz Boshoff and Robert du Preez traded early penalties before Du Preez added another three-pointer, which meant the visitors were leading 6-3 for what proved to be only time in the match.
The Lions replied with two tries in quick succession from Lourens Erasmus and Malcolm Marx, which were both converted by Marnitz Boshoff.
Province seemed shell-shocked but the Lions didn't take their foot off the pedal – they continued to attack from all areas of the field.
Their enterprising play was rewarded again when Boshoff crossed for their third try 10 minutes later – after a superb break by Erasmus in the build-up.
However, when Mostert crossed for their fourth try in the 30th minute the home crowd were in raptures.
To their credit, Province fought back with a Sikhumbuzo Notshe try, but the hosts responded when Howard Mnisi crossed again in the 35th minute.
Johnny Kotze then weaved his way past a couple of defenders before scoring Province's second try, which meant the Lions were leading 36-20 at half-time.
There was more enterprising play from the Lions after the break, and they increased their lead when Andries Coetzee dotted down just three minutes after the restart.
They increased the tempo as the half progressed and Anthony Volmink, Albertus Smith and Nicolaas Hanekom also getting their names onto the scoresheet with tries.
Province had little left in the tank, but two late tries from Notshe and Nic Groom was enough to secure them a try-bonus point in the final minute.
Man of the Match: Malcolm Marx was a demon on defence and he ran like a wing when in attack. A superb game by the young hooker.
Scorers:
For Golden Lions:
Tries: Erasmus, Marx, Boshoff, Mostert,Coetzee, Mnisi, Volmink, Smith, Hanekom
Cons: Boshoff 5, Van der Walt 2
Pen: Boshoff
For Western Province:
Tries: Notche 2, Kotze, Groom
Cons: Du Preez 3
Pens: Du Preez 2
Teams:
Golden Lions: 15 Andries Coetzee, 14 Courtnall Skosan, 13 Rohan Janse van Rensburg, 12 Howard Mnisi, 11 Anthony Volmink, 10 Marnitz Boshoff, 9 Ross Cronje, 8 Warren Whiteley, 7 Stephan de Witt, 6 Jaco Kriel (captain), 5 Franco Mostert, 4 Lourens Erasmus, 3 Julian Redelinghuys, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Dylan Smith.
Replacements: 16 Mark Pretorius, 17 Ruan Dreyer, 18 Fabian Booysen, 19 Albertus Smith, 20 Jaco van der Walt, 21 Nicolaas Hanekom, 22 Sampie Mastriet.
Western Province: 15 Cheslin Kolbe/Dillyn Leyds, 14 Dillyn Leyds/Kobus van Wyk, 13 Johnny Kotze, 12 Juan de Jongh (captain), 11 Seabelo Senatla, 10 Robert du Preez, 9 Nic Groom, 8 Nizaam Carr, 7 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 6 Chris Cloete, 5 Ruan Botha, 4 Jean Kleyn, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Steven Kitshoff.
Replacements: 16 Michael Willemse, 17 Oli Kebble, 18 Chris van Zyl, 19 Jurie van Vuuren, 20 Godlen Masimla, 21 Kurt Coleman, 22 Huw Jones.
Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen
Assistant referees: Jason Jaftha, Lourens van der Merwe
TMO: Johan Greeff
