Fullback Connor Mahoney scored four tries as Griquas romped to victory to lift the Tbilisi Cup in Georgia on Sunday.
It was an impressive campaign for Pieter Bergh’s side, going unbeaten as they dominated Spain’s Iberians 48-15 in their final match.
Mahoney was the star of the show as the Currie Cup champions won their sixth match of the Toyota Challenge campaign, having also gone unbeaten in Bloemfontein.
The Iberians made the better start, with scrumhalf Estanislao Bay putting his side ahead early on.
Griquas had to wait until the 25th minute for their first points, with winger Tom Nel crossing to end their frustration. Mahoney and centre Luke Burger then scored tries in quick succession just before half-time to put Griquas 19-10 ahead at the break.
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The Iberians came out strongly after half-time and attacked the Griquas tryline, but were unable to ground the ball when they eventually crossed.
Mahoney made them pay shortly afterwards by completing his hat-trick. Centre Damian Markus, who was named Man of the Match, then finished off an impressive try that he had started.
No 8 Valentino Rizzo added the Iberians’ second try with 10 minutes remaining before Nel scored his second. Mahoney then capped his outstanding performance by crossing for his fourth try.
In Sunday’s other matches, the Pumas thrashed Portugal’s Lusitanos 68-20, while the Cheetahs lost 36-25 to Georgia’s Black Lion.
PUMAS (68) – Tries: Stephan Krugel, Banie Britz, Dalvon Blood (2), Willie Engelbrecht (2), Jordan McLoughlin, Lundi Msenge (10), Raegan Oranje. Conversions: Bradley Giddy (8), Clinton Swart.
LUSITANOS (20) – Tries: Hugo Aubry, Vasco Durao, Jose Monteiro. Conversion: Aubry. Penalty: Aubry.
GRIQUAS (48) – Tries: Tom Nel (2), Connor Mahoney (4), Luke Burger, Duimpie Markus. Conversions: Danrich Visagie (2) Liam Koen (2).
IBERIANS (15) – Tries: Estanislao Bay, Valentino Rizzo. Conversion: Bautista Guemes. Penalty: Guemes.
BLACK LION (36) – Tries: Dato Abdushelishvili, Shota Kheladze, Giorgi Spanderashvili, Irakli Kvatadze (2), Luka Tsirekidze. Conversions: Temur Dzodzuashvili, Tsirekidze (2).
CHEETAHS (25) – Tries: Siya Ningiza, Erich Visser, Sisonke Vumazonke. Conversions: Tiaan Swanepoel (2). Penalties: Swanepoel (2).
Photo: Griquas Rugby/Facebook
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Fullback Connor Mahoney scored four tries as Griquas romped to victory to lift the Tbilisi Cup in Georgia on Sunday.
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