HIGHLIGHTS: Lions Vs Sharks
- 1899
Makazole Mapimpi scored a hattrick in his first game in 2022 as the Sharks claimed the bragging rights in this URC South African derby.
The Lions started the game the brighter of the two sides racing into a 12-3 lead with Andre Warner and Wandisile Simelane scoring inside the first 10 minutes.
Aphelele Fassi and Makazole Mapimpi both scored before the 20 minute mark in a pulsating start to the game. Two Zeilinga penalties saw the Lions claw their way back into the game but tries from Kerron van Vuuren and Makazole Mapimpi saw the Sharks go into a 18-27 lead at half time.
Boeta Chamberlain extended the lead to 18-30 but the Lions fought back once again with Ruben Schoeman powering over from close range. Mampimpi left Zeilinga in his wake to secure his hattrick in the 53rd minute with Bonilla making it 25-40 with a penalty before the hour mark.
Edwill van Merwe finished his try smartly in the corner to give the home side hope of a comeback with Morn van den Berg scoring with 12 minutes to play as the two sides entered the final 10 minutes with just three points separating them.
The Sharks forced a turnover in the final moments of the match and quickly got the ball into the hands of Mapimpi who chipped over the top and managed to regather. He was stopped just short of the line but Lukhanyo Am was on hand to score in the corner to secure the 37-47 victory.
The win sees the Sharks end the weekend as the top placed side in the South African conference.