The Lions got the defence of their Vodacom Cup crown off to a shaky yet somewhat satisfying start as they ran in four tries to two to beat the plucky Griffons 29-14 at Ellis Park on Saturday afternoon.
The home team led 17-7 at the break. The Lions were pushed hard by the Griffons for most of the first 40 minutes, before a late try by centre Walter Venter gave them some breathing space at the half-time whistle after being just 10-7 ahead.
The second stanza was hardly inspiring as a plethora of errors from both sides spoiled the game. The Lions failed to ignite, yet ran in two tries, with the bonus point-clincher coming in the 71st minute from Edrich van Tonder.
Replacement back John Okkers scored a consolation try for the visitors on the stroke of full-time — just reward for hard work by the entire team. — Sapa
Point-scorers:
Lions 29 (17): Tries: Gershom Ramazan, Walter Venter, Quinton van Tonder, Edrich van Tonder. Conversions: Quinton van Tonder (3). Penalties: Quinton van Tonder (1).
Griffons 14 (7): Tries: Innes van Rooyen, John Okkers. Conversions: Morne van Zyl (1), Ossie Damons (1).